Dia de los Muertos

The Days of the Dead are a Mexican tradition celebrated on November 1st and 2nd (for children and adult souls respectively). During this celebration, sadness and nostalgia turn into joy and good cheer as we honor our beloved dead who, for a few hours, return to the world of the living to be with their loved ones once more. This tradition goes back to pre-Columbian times, when the native’s worldview was that death is just the beginning of the road back to Mictlan to be with the gods, a part of a never-ending cycle where the dead could attract life and abundance for their families. 

Obon

Obon is one of the Buddhist traditions. The Buddhist temples in Japan conduct Obon Service in July or August. During Obon, Japanese people clean up their ancestors’ gravesites and offer flowers or fruits. The concept of Obon in general is that the deceased loved one returns to this world during Obon Season. Each region in Japan has their own unique traditions. 

Since Obon is observed in summer (when school is out) and its core concept aligns with Dia de los Muertos, we celebrate them together in the fall!