All Soul’s Day

Rendition of Ancient CHamoru Burial. Courtesy of Raph Unpingco

This coming November 2nd, the island’s Catholics continue in the annual celebration of All Soul’s Day. While normally celebrated through the attendance of Catholic Mass at the various cemeteries around this island, this year things will be different. On November 2nd, all cemeteries will be closed to the public, but that shouldn’t stop us from celebrating the lives of our loved ones who have since passed on. In ancient CHamoru burial customs dating back thousands of years, when a member of the household passed away, the body of the deceased would be buried near their latte hut. Their skull and long bones would then be exhumed from the grave to be kept in the house to serve as reminders of the profound impact they had on the lives of the family. In many ways, this practice is no different than the keeping of photographs or items that remind us of our own loved ones who have gone before us. This All Soul’s Day, break out these cherished mementos and share fond memories and lessons learned with those in our household who may not have met them when they were alive.