November 2 is celebrated here as the Day of the Dead. People visit the tombs of their loved ones and prepare "offerings" for them. The belief is that the souls of the dead are released for 24 hours, from noon on Nov. 1 until noon on Nov. 2.
In preparation for the arrival of their souls, relatives prepare a table (altar) for the dead. Essential elements of each table are water (to calm their thirst), bread in the form of a ladder (symbolizing their climb out of the afterworld), merengue candies called "suspiros" (sighs) which symbolize their dying breath, breads, fruits and other favorite foods of the dead person.
Relatives will spend this day talking, reminiscing or singing with their deceased loved ones. At noon on Nov. 2 they must "send them back".
What great comfort we have as believers to know that our souls will go to be with Jesus. He promises to take us to be with Him and we will not be continually sent back to this world of sin and sorrow.
"And so we will be forever with the Lord".
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