Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and throughout the world on November 2. It’s a celebration of life that honors friends and family who have passed away. A blend of Mesoamerican ritual, European religion and Spanish culture, the holiday is celebrated each year from October 31-November 2. According to tradition, the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on November 2 and the spirits of loved ones can rejoin their families for 24 hours. Although there is a theme of death, it is a happy occasion of remembrance.

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On this day, Bella remembers and honors Puffkin, Sparki, Dana, and Sari who she loved (and who loved her) before they went to the Rainbow Bridge. Year round, if you say any of their names, she will still search for them.

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Today, those (who observe the Day of the Dead holiday) will put out Marigolds to help the spirits of their departed loved ones find their way back to the land of the living for this one day each year.
The Day of the Dead is a time to remember the deceased and welcome spirits home. Instead of being an entirely somber occasion, the holiday is a joyous celebration of life and death.

Often called “flowers of the dead,” marigolds’ orange and yellow flowers’ fragrance is said to attract souls. Their bright and cheery color also celebrate life instead of feeling bitter about death. Earliest written mention of these flowersl dates back to the 16th century, in the Florentine Codex. The Spanish Franciscan friar Bernardino de Sahagún described the Aztecs’ medicinal use of various flowers and plants, including the marigold’s use in a festival commemorating the dead.

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Day of the Dead vs. All Souls Day
In ancient Europe, pagan celebrations of the dead also took place in the fall, and consisted of bonfires, dancing and feasting. Some of these customs survived even after the rise of the Roman Catholic Church, which (unofficially) adopted them into their celebrations of two Catholic holidays, All Saints Day and All Souls Day, celebrated on the first two days of November.