THE LANGLEY CEMETERY ASSOCIATION
Stewards of the historic Langley-Langville Cemetery
INSPIRED BY MEXICO'S DAY OF THE DEAD
A JOYFUL CELEBRATION OF LOVED ONESOctober, 2022
In much of America, All-Hallows Eve, or Halloween, is the primary celebration at the end of October, with masks, candy, and trick-or-treating, and associated with the scary and macabre. But in a growing number of communities, especially those honoring Mexican culture, the Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1 and 2 nd , sometimes also on the days before, as a holiday of joyful celebration rather than mourning.
Day of the Dead typically involves family and friends gathering in cemeteries to decorate graves and to pay respects and remember friends and family members who have died. These celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed. Day of the Dead appears to have medieval European roots which are still expressed in celebrations in parts of Italy and Spain, as well as pre-Hispanic indigenous roots. Today, Mexican-style Day of the Dead celebrations occur in major cities in Australia, Fiji, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Wellington, New Zealand, complete with altars celebrating the deceased with flowers and gifts. Music, special foods, gifts to the dead, and graves decorated with flowers can combine to make celebratory magic. Parades in the evenings may add to the charm and atmosphere.
Michael Replogle, President of the Langley Cemetery Association, was fortunate to be in Chiapas, Mexico for Day of the Dead 2022. He brought back remarkable images and memories from the celebrations in San Cristobal de las Casas and Chamula, a nearby village.
The Langley Cemetery Association might consider hosting its own modest future Day of the Dead celebration to help commemorate the forebearers of our community if there is interest. In the meantime, enjoy these photos. Imagine what it might look like if the Day of the Dead were adapted to our peaceful cemetery set in a forest glade overlooking Dividing Creek.
A New Era
Langley Cemetery is back after 50 years! Small groups of people are welcome to visit the private cemetery during daytime hours without reservation, unless it is closed by special events or uses.
The non-profit Langley Cemetery Association is responsible for operating and managing the cemetery and is seeking volunteers to help with cemetery maintenance, grave conservation, events, fundraising, and communications. Please contact us if you are interested in helping.
Please also let the Langley Cemetery Association know if you would like more information about opportunities for burying the cremains of your loved one or yourself in the cemetery, something we expect to initiate in 2023.
Look out for future events!