November 1 and 2
These two dates are always remembered as holidays. No classes, no work, regular routines stop on these dates, a special day to remember the saints and the special day to remember the souls. Often, however, the beloved departed are remembered more than the saints.
Security is up on these dates. A number of passengers at the bus terminals, at the ports, at the airports swell. Memorial parks and cemeteries are congested, with countless remembering to bring flowers and prayers for their loved ones who have joined the Lord. The cost of flowers and candles hikes.
Streets leading to or even inside cemeteries and memorial parks are full of vendors competing for customers. Even some familiar food chains set up booths as well. There are the cleaners and those who offer to bless the dead, for a fee.
It is interesting to once again see the blend of the secular and the sacred during these two dates, which are celebrated like fiestas by many. Solemnity and silence are observed for some brief moments, the pain, grief and loss, etched in hearts, once again recalled. Generally, however, the mood becomes festive as family, relatives, and friends console each other as they gather in the special designated areas of their dead.
There are of course among the multitude, those who are still deeply grieving the absence, the loss of those very dear to them. In time, there will be those among them who will move on. There will also those who will never be able to.
There are those as well who prefer to celebrate life on these dates. A number take advantage of these holidays to have fun, here or abroad. These special dates are hectic for those involved in the travel industry.
All over the world, thousands don costumes, go around for trick or treat, or crowd together among those who celebrate Halloween.
And however people prefer to spend these first two days of this month of November, whether to celebrate the dead or the living, the saints or the souls, in sacred or secular ways, celebrating on these two dates have become a tradition.
Expect as well the persistent bad practice of generating and throwing garbage as part of the celebration for these dates. Time for these simple reminders from Ecowaste not only for November 1 and 2.
You may want to "take public transportation or share a ride to the cemetery. Carpooling or taking a jeepney, bus or train can create carbon savings. Whenever applicable, walk or cycle to your destination."
"Pick clean-burning candles that do not give off black fumes or ash. Candles that produce excessive soot can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory ailments. Also, avoid candles with metal wicks as these may contain harmful chemicals such as lead, a neurotoxin. Light just enough candles to save on money and energy, and minimize pollution."
"Offer locally-grown fresh flowers instead of imported ones that are not only costly but also require tons of energy to get them flown to flower shops and to you. Refrain from putting flowers in plastic wraps. Plastics eventually end up clogging waterways and causing floods, injuring and killing marine animals."
"Desist from bringing or buying excessive amounts of food and beverage to the cemetery to cut down on expenses and waste. Bring your own water in a reusable jug. Discarded plastic bottles add up to the country's garbage problem. Plastic bottles, which are petrochemical products, also require lots of oil and chemicals to manufacture."
"Throw all discards into the proper recycling bins and be conscious at all times that littering in the cemetery - and elsewhere - is a no-no!"
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