Can Dias de Los Muertos teach us to be more comfortable with dying and death?
Each year more Americans become familiar with the Mexican tradition of Dias de Los Muertos the Day of the Dead. Celebrated on Nov. 1, the day is based on the ancient belief that one day each year the dead are given divine permission to visit their relatives and friends. Dias de Los Muertos can help teach Americans to be more comfortable with the dying process, says Dr. Judith Kitzes, professor and section chief for Internal Medicine’s Palliative Care division. From trails of marigolds and food to altars built to honor the deceased, the Mexican view of death as a natural consequence of living has been hailed by many healthcare professionals as much healthier than the modern American view that all too often greets death and dying with fear and avoidance. Too often in our society, people are terrified of dying, says Kitzes. Technology has increased lifespans yet made death seem to be more distant almost as a personal failure to some people, she said. Yet to be able to discuss death as a f
