Why do so many people and cultures celebrate Festivals of the Dead at the end of October and November at almost but not exactly the same time?

The Constellation of Pleiades. It rises on the horizon, in the east, at sunset in the summer after dark.  In late October or early November Pleiades can be found due south at its highest spot over head the at 12 am. The constellation is observed against the backdrop of the ecliptic or zodiac. They all could see this in both the north and south hemisphere. For this reason, it was used many ancient cultures to mark the beginning of their new years.

Why do people believe this is a time when the dead, witches, mischievous spirits and devils are permitted to return or visit the earth?

Earth, in late October or early November when Pleiades rose directly overhead in the midnight sky, crosses something called the Taurid meteor stream. During this time meteors and comets are and were witnessed in the sky above. The ancient cultures tried to explain these events by associating the passing of these celestial mysteries of reflection. Trying to make sense of this many of them associated their observations with causation and memory of loss, disaster, and the opening between the end of one calendar world experience and the beginning of another.  Many cultures depicted the meteors and comets as bristles of a broom, swords, or the hair or a wicked person flying through the sky.

On these days of Oct 31st through Nov 2nd what we are actually doing is reflecting and honoring spirits that have died between one catastrophe and the next. These nights filled with meteors and comets ignite our imaginations to create associations with death, reflection and renewal.

Do the Chinese celebrate Halloween or Day of the Dead?

No, ironically the Chinese do not celebrate Halloween or Day of the Dead. However, they do celebrate The Festival of Hungry Ghosts.  The Chinese celebrate this on 15th day of the 7th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. In the west, this would be in July or August.

Origins of Trick or Treat?

Even though the dates of Festivals of the dead are different the beliefs are very similar. Both the East and West make offerings like food to appease evil spirits and make offerings to the souls of their loved ones. In the west we light jack-o-laterns to lead the evil dead. In the East they place boats and light laterns in the water to guide the dead back to the after life.

How do you Celebrate and honor the Dead?

Maybe the dead really do come and visit us maybe they don’t physically visit. This time has been celebrated by many cultures across the world for longer than recorded history. One way or the other whether they physically return or in or hearts Festivals of the dead keep the memories of our loved ones alive and remind of us when we were young and mischievous.

Do you celebrate Halloween, Day of the Dead or and a Festival of Remembrance of those you have lost? I do. I enjoy gathering with friends and/family to tell stories together about our love ones that have past that remind us that although they have transitioned, they are still loved; and we still have each other.

Leave a comment below if you feel like sharing how you remember your loved ones. If you enjoyed this article and would like to receive more articles like this, free classical feng shui tips and promotions sign up for my newsletter. Thank you