Layers of Life in Death: Yucatán: Hanal Pixan

I once heard these words, "The soul walks not upon a line, neither does it grow like a reed. The soul unfolds itself, like a lotus of countless petals." This photojourney thru the Yucatan, Mexico was exactly this. This was a journey honoring the souls of our past and the presence within. The petals are the unfolding of the stories I delved into along the way. I may have entered this journey as a reed but life taught me to allow the many petals. Please patiently visit as it unfolds. Hanal Pixan is the Mayan tradition welcoming the spirits of loved ones past to visit during the dates of October 31st for children, November 1 for adults, and sending them back home on November 2nd. The Mayan burial traditions unique to this region go back hundreds of years. Hanal Pixan is similiar to the more widely known Dia de Los Muertos with some distinct differences.

As Halloween is creeping into the Yucatan celebrations I will say, they are predictably terrific at it. There is no "trick or treating" yet which I think is just fine.

We took a quick trip to Progreso, Mexico on Friday, November 2. The seaside community was celebrating Hanal Pixan and Halloween together (minus the trick or treating). There were performances by local talent of all ages and of Disney's "Coco" that I enjoyed I think as much as all the young children. Here's a few highlight costume photos.

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