Dead Day: Day of Souvenirs and Reflections

The Dead Day is celebrated on November 2. The origin of the date refers us to the second century, when Christians began to pray for the deceased and to visit their tombs. They believed that praying, the souls that would be in purgatory, could arrive faster in the kingdom of heaven. These days it is perceived that the date is celebrated according to its meaning and context in different communities, religions and families. However, at the same time in the collective happens celebrations dedicated to the memory of those who died in our domestic world, many important issues are lived in our individuality.

In our culture, we can pay tributes through cemetery visits or other locations. The details of what to do on this date vary, but we can not fail to highlight that it is a time where thoughts in relation to those who left. Rituals are important ways to demonstrate affection, longing and value the importance of the deceased person in the personal and familiar history of the mourners. In addition, they are organizers and provide psychological security. They help to bring reality and definitive character of death, and allow the effect of forming a network of social support nearby.

Each year the proximity to November 2 can put us in touch with the memories of who we lose, of whom we went to this person and whom we were in his presence. Remembering us allows us to connect with important parts of our history, emotions and feelings. We can make reflections on how it is and how it will follow life without the deceased person. The date can also remind us that we are finite and from this we can choose by reorganizing our life, the way we are living and our relationships. Being aware of life as something that has an end can cast ourselves to the non-transferable search for a sense for our existence. We can review many things, review meanings and directions to walk towards what we want and what really matters. For this to be possible, we need to connect, feel and become aware of how the life is presented around us. On this day of Finnish, longing and introspection to think about life, take advantage of the connection with those who are no longer present to value the history that has had with him and strengthen to continue writing ours.

These were our reflections, for this time so important and unique, stays the invitation so you can do yours. What does this day represent for you? What can he bring you or teach you? What can you do for your life today, based on what has already been lived?

Text written by coro core members:

Ana Maria Dall'Agnese - CRP 07/12528

Denise Capua Corrêa - CRP 07/6338

Mariana Zanatta - CPR 07/26370