Honoring Ancestral Wisdom: Día de los Muertos, Mental Health, and the Power of Remembering
Hola Amiges!
The veil is thinning, y’all, and Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is right around the corner! No, it is not “Mexican Halloween.” Día de los Muertos is a sacred celebration deeply rooted in pre-colonization Mexican and Latine cultures. It may seem like an unlikely topic for a discussion on mental health, but the connection between this tradition, our ancestors, and our emotional well-being is pretty deep. I am excited to dive into Dia de los Muertos and its significance for our mental health. This celebration serves as a beautiful reminder of the importance of grieving, celebrating life, remembering, and healing.
1. Embracing Grief:
In a society that often discourages the expression of grief and/or doesn’t give us time to grieve, Día de los Muertos teaches us that mourning is a necessary part of the human experience. It encourages us to confront our pain and sadness, acknowledging that grief is not a sign of weakness but an essential aspect of our emotional well-being.
2. Connecting with Ancestors:
During Día de los Muertos, families create ofrendas (altars) adorned with flowers, candles, mementos, and favorite foods of their departed loved ones. These ofrendas serve as a bridge to connect with the spirits of our ancestors. This connection can be incredibly therapeutic, offering a sense of continuity, belonging, and guidance in our lives.
Important Note: Due to slavery, colonization, genocide, the whitewashing of history, etc., connecting with our ancestors can be more nuanced. Some people do not know all of their ancestors, and/or some people don’t condone the behavior of all of their ancestors. If at all helpful, I don’t know all of my ancestors, and given that my ancestry is a product of colonization, I’m sure I have some not-so-great ones. However, I’ve found comfort in realizing and feeling in my bones that I carry my ancestors with me; I am my ancestors. I’ve also found strength in knowing that I have the power to interrupt and heal generational trauma. We get to do that!
3. Healing Through Remembrance:
Remembering our ancestors, their stories, and the legacies they left behind can be a healing experience. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that we carry the strength and resilience of those who came before us. This sense of intergenerational support can be a source of comfort in times of mental and emotional distress.
4. Resilience and Identity:
For queer individuals, the Día de los Muertos celebration can hold even greater significance. It can be a time to honor and remember LGBTQIA2S+ ancestors who may have faced discrimination and adversity. Recognizing their resilience can help us connect with our own identities, fostering self-acceptance and pride. It’s worth noting that this can also apply to other layers of identities that have been pushed to the margins.
5. Building Community:
Participating in Día de los Muertos celebrations within our communities can create a sense of belonging and unity. Sharing this tradition with others can help combat feelings of isolation, offering a network of support for our mental health journeys. We heal in community, y’all!
In conclusion, Día de los Muertos is a testament to the beauty of our cultural heritage and the power of honoring our ancestors and celebrating life. I encourage everyone, regardless of their background, to explore the mental health benefits of this tradition. Embrace grief, connect with your ancestors, and remember their stories, for in doing so, you may find healing, things that need some healing, resilience, and a profound sense of belonging. In honoring our past, we can better nurture our mental well-being in the present.
Wishing you meaningful connection,
Paulina
