It’s that time of the year again when people around the world celebrate the day of the dead. Different countries have different ways of welcoming November first. Pinoys have a unique way of celebrating and it often turns out to be some sort of a mini-reunion with the family.
Here’s how you can prepare and enjoy the day of the dead the Pinoy-way:
1. Buy lots of candles, candles, candles!
Don’t be surprised when you see all sorts of candles on sale in all the stores here in the city – from the cheap, small, unscented candles to those scented, colorful, big ones. Some even have carved decorations on it, while others are encased in glass cups. Whichever you prefer, make sure every tomb has at least one candle of its own.
2. Remind your kids to make those “bolang kandila”
You know how as kids we play with all the melted wax from these candles and roll them up into balls? The biggest and most colourful ones are always the winner. So make sure to remind your kids of that! It will definitely save us time from cleaning out all the melted wax from the tomb floor.
3. Ready those flowers!
Expect that a lot of florists will increase their prices in anticipation of this event. So if you want to be practical about it, you can opt to get those fake ones that can be passed on as real flowers! At least you get to use them year after year. But then again, you can always opt for the authentic and fresh ones, just in case.
4. Bring out the fans, flash lights, water, and food!
As I have said, All Saints’ Day often turns out to be one mini family reunion. If you are planning to stay at the cemetery from morning ‘till late at night, make sure you have stocked up on food and water. And since some cemeteries do not offer any electricity, prepare those handy fans and flashlights and Coleman lights beforehand!
5. Carry with you your board games, books, and playing cards!
If you don’t want to get bored sitting on your arse on a hot November 1, I say you ready those games and books that will keep you, your siblings, cousins, Titos and Titas preoccupied and happy the whole day! You don’t want to be stuck there with your phone battery all emptied up (because you have used it up half the day already!) on a crowded cemetery. You’ll never know what may come up.
6. Don’t forget the pots and pans!
Unless you have your own comfort room area at the cemetery, I say you ready those pots and pans for your convenience. That is unless, you want to line up in one of the nearest fast food chain area and wet your pants while waiting on those awful long lines. Your choice, kid.
7. Dust off your Bibles, rosaries, and novenas.
Lastly, before you get carried away seeing your relatives after a year or more, don’t forget that November 1 is also a day to pray together as a family. Whatever your religious beliefs may be, find time to pray and perhaps reflect if you are living your life to the fullest just like your departed loved ones did.
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