Top 10 Dizzying & Dazzling Disneyland Rides!

If you’re heading to California this summer to visit Laguna Beach, don’t forget to save some time for Disneyland while you are in the area. Disneyland has many new and classic rides that are enjoyed daily by children and adults. We’ve broken down the top ten “Must Experience” attractions at Disneyland from tamest to wildest, with size restrictions and accessibility notes so can know which rides will be safe and enjoyable for your family. There are also services such as Lifelock that can be a great resource for protecting your identity when away from home. In other words, stay smart, safe and organized before getting Disney-fied! Here is our top ten list of rides at Disneyland:

Captain EO

A 3D show playing every 18 minutes and starring the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, and the legendary Anjelica Huston. It is the story of how a “rag tag” crew of space travelers use music to unlock the inner beauty of an evil Supreme Leader, bringing joy to a dark world and its inhabitants. The show has wonderful sound and screen that rivals even the best home entertainment system with digital cable and surround sound. Plus, the seats move, giving viewers an interactive feel.
Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV Accessible. Hearing Disability Services.
Age/Size Restrictions: None.

Pirates of the Caribbean

The ride that inspired the movies now includes several characters from the films, including quite a few sightings of Captain Jack Sparrow. Pirates of the Caribbean is gentle boat ride past pirate caves, cannonball battles and other scenes people will recognize from the movies.
Accessibility: Transfer from Wheelchair or ECV to Ride Vehicle. Hearing Disability Services. Visual Disability Services.
Age/Size Restrictions: None.

Peter Pan’s Flight

A Disney favorite with children of all ages, including kids at heart. Peter Pan’s Flight is a very gentle ride that flies visitors over London and scenes from Disney’s Peter Pan movie.
Accessibility: Transfer from Wheelchair or ECV to Ride Vehicle. Hearing Disability Services. Visual Disability Services.
Age/Size Restrictions: None.

Haunted Mansion

A classic Disneyland attraction, the Haunted Mansion has ghosts, graves, a fortune teller and a Black Widow. This is a longer ride and great opportunity to get out of the summer heat and into some air conditioning while being entertained. Disneyland goes all out to decorate the Haunted Mansion with a “Nightmare Before Christmas” theme during the end of each year.
Accessibility: Transfer from Wheelchair or ECV to Ride Vehicle. Hearing Disability Services. Visual Disability Services.
Age/Size Restrictions: None.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

The re-designed Star Tours ride features “Star Wars” favorites such as Princess Leia, Darth Vader, C3PO, R2D2 and a planet full of Wookies. This is a 3D simulator where visitors sit in a starship that moves side to side and up and down to follow what is on the screen. You feel like you are flying forward at light speed without going anywhere. The new Star Tours is different every time you ride it. The various scenarios are picked at random and shuffled up in a different order each time.
Accessibility: Transfer from Wheelchair or ECV to Ride Vehicle. Hearing Disability Services
Age/Size Restrictions: Must be 40” or taller.

Indiana Jones

Indiana Jones is a newer addition to Disneyland and one of the most innovative and exciting rides at the park. Visitors drive through a Temple of Doom-like area and see references from the first three “Indiana Jones” films. The ride is very bumpy, in a good way. It is definitely for fans of the films and people who love intense rides.
Accessibility: Transfer from Wheelchair or ECV to Ride Vehicle. Hearing Disability Services
Age/Size Restrictions: Must be 46” or taller.

Matterhorn

The Matterhorn is a fast, twisty bobsled ride with some surprises. Do not ride this roller coaster if you are frightened of Yettis.
Accessibility: Transfer from Wheelchair or ECV to Ride Vehicle.
Age/Size Restrictions: Must be 42” or taller.

Space Mountain

Space Mountain was closed and re-opened recently with an entirely new look. Space Mountain is the most traditional roller coaster type ride at Disneyland. You sit in a rocket ship and go speeding through the inside of Space Mountain surrounded by “stars.” The ride is almost completely in the dark and you cannot see the track, which makes for a thrilling, unpredictable voyage through “space.”
Accessibility: Transfer from Wheelchair or ECV to Ride Vehicle. Hearing Disability Services
Age/Size Restrictions: Must be 40” or taller.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Thunder Mountain Railroad is a fast train ride through the Old West. It has a California Gold Rush theme and is one of the fastest rides in the park.
Accessibility: Transfer from Wheelchair or ECV to Ride Vehicle.
Age/Size Restrictions: Must be 40” or taller.

Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain is a great ride for people who like huge drops and getting splashed in the face with water. It is particularly busy during warm times of the day when visitors want to cool off. It is decorated with scenes from “Song of the South” featuring Br’er Rabbit.
Accessibility: Transfer from Wheelchair or ECV to Ride Vehicle.
Age/Size Restrictions: Must be 40” or taller.
You got ten more reasons why you should add Disneyland to your California trip itinerary. The kids have been begging you to take them forever anyway, so why not make the big leap! Knowing the safety information for each ride and knowing that your financial records are safe will help set your mind at ease while you’re whipping through a whirlwind of a fun time!

Read More

Top 10 Alternatives to iPad Mini

The new iPad Mini has just been out a couple of days ago and many have already expected that there would be lots of orders coming in to purchase this new device from Apple. While it may offer a smaller option for the existing iPad which currently costs around $499, others are anticipating that it may offer something else new or better. For $329, which is a bit cheaper than the full-sized iPad 2 without GSM, there may be a lot more in store than what meets the eye. If you think that it may not be worth the cost, or you may consider other competitors, you may take a look at the top 10 alternatives to iPad Mini.





10. Coby Kyros

The Coby Kyros can be considered as a cheaper choice for those who would like to have a tablet experience without the overwhelming cost being slapped by more expensive names and products. For $250, you can take this tablet as something that your kids can get, in case they are not too picky with quality and graphics. Everything else can be tolerable but incomparable with costly high-end tabs in the market.

Operating System: Android 2.3.4

Processor: ARM Cortex A8 1 GHz

Screen Size: 7 inches

Resolution: 800 x 480 pixels

Storage Memory: 4 GB expandable 32 GB

System Memory: 512 MB RAM

Graphics: No Information

Webcam: No Information

Others: 3,600 mAh Li Polymer Battery, HDMI, WiFi

9. Archos Arnova 7FG3

For something that costs less than $300, you could now hold a Google Ice Cream Sandwich in your hands, which can be next to impossible if you are eyeing for brands that are more known such as Samsung, Apple, or Google. Specs can be considered as average, although there are some users stating that there are occasions when the response of the touchscreen is not 100% consistent. Despite of that however, you can play games with this, and you can also do other things that an average tablet can accommodate.

Operating System: Android 4.0

Processor: ARM Cortex A8 1 GHz

Screen Size: 7 inches

Resolution: 800 x 480 pixels

Storage Memory: 4 GB expandable 32 GB

System Memory: 1 GB RAM

Graphics: No Information

Webcam: No Information

Others: Li Polymer Battery, G-sensor, Flash Support Capable, WiFi

8. Acer Iconia Tab A110

Acer is indeed making its way in the tablet market with the offering of the Tab A110, which is bound to be sold by the end of October. Although the iPad Mini came in a lot earlier than Acer’s tablet did, this little baby would still sell great, knowing that it has the latest Jellybean OS from Android, and wearing the $230 price tag. It may be a bit more expensive than the Google Nexus 7 due to some features that may not be available in the best iPad alternative.

Operating System: Android 4.1

Processor: NVIDIA Tegra 3 1.2 GHz quad-core processor

Screen Size: 7 inches

Resolution: 1024 x 600 pixels

Storage Memory: 8 GB expandable 32 GB

System Memory: 1 GB RAM

Graphics: No Information

Webcam: 2 MP Front-facing

Others: Bluetooth 3.0, WiFi, micro HDMI Port, 7.5-hour  battery life

7. Blackberry Playbook

The Blackberry Playbook is just as powerful and as dependable like its smartphones that are taking place in the market.  In fact, its specs are beyond standard that you can do multitasking and even watching movies or playing games with ease; without that much of lagging and slowdowns. It also comes with full features such as Flash support, Adobe Mobile AIR, and other graphics-rich upgrades that gives this tablet a choice of being eye candy.

Operating System: BlackBerry Tablet OS

Processor: 1 GHz ARM dual-core CORTEX A9 OMAP 4

Screen Size: 7 inches

Resolution: 1024 x 600 pixels

Storage Memory: 16 GB SATA

System Memory: 1 GB DDR2 RAM

Graphics: PowerVR SGX540

Webcam: 5MP Rear-faced

Others: WiFi, 10-hour battery life, Li-Ion Battery

6. Amazon Kindle Fire

Amazon started in the eBook reading industry with a tablet that offers electronic ink that gives something special to eBook readers everywhere. However, as markets have changed and the same tablet is now viewed as a smaller and more portable version of the laptop, Amazon has shifted its market from being solo to becoming competitive in the tablet market. Kindle Fire is their first, but the said device can be at par with some devices produced long-before.

Operating System: Android 2.3 Custom

Processor: Dual-core 1 GHz Cortex-A9

Screen Size: 7 inches

Resolution: 1024 x 600 pixels

Storage Memory: 8 GB non-expandable

System Memory: 512 MB RAM

Graphics: PowerVR SGX540

Webcam: None Included

Others: WiFi, Accelerometer

5. Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7

Samsung has been well known to be one of the companies that have taken the Android operating system into fame in the market, whether it is in the smartphone or tablet PC platform. And with the presentation of the Galaxy Tab 7.7, many users found this device to be powerful in its generation. At the time that Honeycomb 3.2 was standard, there were not so many companies that are giving out dual-core processor speeds for the device as a solo-core is more than satisfactory when it comes to performance. However, knowing that Samsung being a game-changer and all makes this tablet a remarkable success.

Operating System: Android 3.2 Honeycomb

Processor: Dual-core 1.4GHz ARM Cortex-A9 processor

Screen Size: 7.7 inches

Resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels

Storage Memory: 16 GB at minimum

System Memory: 1 GB RAM

Graphics: Mali-400MP

Webcam: 3.2 MP rear with LED Flash, 2.0 front-facing

Others: HDMI TV-out, WiFi, 5100 mAh Li-Po battery

4. Barnes & Noble Nook HD

Just like Amazon, Barnes & Noble has been famous for providing online readers a place where they could purchase eBooks and have it read whatever method is available. Understanding the eBook reading has become rampant, they have resorted into following what Amazon has done: creating their own tablet for reading. Their products shifted from simple monochromatic eBook reading tablets to HD ones that stands at par with iPads and other tablets out there. The $199 price tag is also not so bad of an offer with such nice features.

Operating System: Android 4.0

Processor: Texas Instruments 1.3 GHz

Screen Size: 7 inches

Resolution: 1440 x 900 pixels

Storage Memory: 8 GB expandable 32 GB

System Memory: 1 GB RAM

Graphics: No Information

Webcam: No Information

Others: WiFi, HDMI

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0

Being touted as a great travel buddy by Samsung’s own ads, the 7-inch Galaxy Tab 2 provides everything that a full-sized tablet would offer; at speeds that are as decent and performance as powerful. Whether you use it for finding directions, listening to music, browsing for images, taking pictures, or reading eBooks, this new Galaxy tab does it all with ease.

Operating System: Android 4.0.3

Processor: TI OMAP 4430 Dual-core 1 GHz

Screen Size: 7 inches

Resolution: 600 x 1024 pixels

Storage Memory: 8 GB expandable 32 GB

System Memory: 1 GB RAM

Graphics: PowerVR SGX540

Webcam: 3.15 MP rear and VGA front-faced

Others: WiFi, HD Video, Bluetooth 3.0

2. Amazon Kindle Fire HD

Being a bit pricier than its predecessor, the Amazon Kindle Fire HD didn’t just cost more because it’s new, but the minor price increase provide many things that you cannot imagine. For one, having the HD screen makes you enjoy movies with crisp details, magazine covers with stunning colors, and games that are just dandy to see and play with.

Operating System: Custom Android OS

Processor: Dual-core 1.2GHz OMAP4460

Screen Size: 7 inches

Resolution: 1280×800 pixels

Storage Memory: 16 GB

System Memory: 1 GB RAM

Graphics: PowerVR SGX540

Webcam: front-facing HD camera

Others: Dolby Audio, Dual-Band Dual-Antenna WiFi, Bluetooth, 4,400 mAh battery

1. Asus Google Nexus 7

Standing as the greatest contender against the iPad Mini, Google Nexus 7 by Asus has specs that can make the latest Apple device bleed. The processor alone should be more than enough statement that the new mini iPad, although it claims that it’s as fast as it can be, with an A5 processer in a smaller frame. Graphics is also nothing when compared to the smaller iPad as many are claiming that display quality was totally unexpected to be less than expectations. Everything else is just nailed when comparing iPad Mini with this new Nexus tablet for Google. The worst part is that the Nexus 7 costs way cheaper than Apple…

Operating System: Android 4.1

Processor: Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A9 Nvidia Tegra 3

Screen Size: 7 inches

Resolution: 1280×800 pixels

Storage Memory: 8 GB expandable 32 GB

System Memory: 1 GB RAM

Graphics: ULP GeForce

Webcam: 1.2 MP rear Camera

Others: WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, Li-Ion 4325 mAh Battery, HD Video Recording, Corning Gorilla Glass

Read More

Top 10 Horror Movies for 2012

Old Hollow’s Eve is here again and there is no better way to join the celebration by treating yourself and some friends of horror movies that tingles your spine and scares the hell out of you. However, there are different levels of horror, depending on who’s watching. Whether it may be a kid, a teen, or an adult, there is a scary movie that is just fitting for every preference. If you’d like to see the best movies for Halloween this year, then checking the top 10 horror movies for 2012 will be a great guide for you. Just be ready with your soda and popcorn, and you’re good to go!




10. The Eschatrilogy

Three stories that portray the different lives of people struggling from the virus that transforms the living into the undead; stories that are to be brought back to the grave. It lasts forever they say. But darkness has its end and the light shall conquer it all. How things would turn out between the opposition of these two forces is worth watching, as it carries the destiny of the people affected by the zombie menace.


9. Nightmare Fuel

Every October, people who plan to attend at scare concerts and shows dress up and give some fright that makes the Halloween spirit as strong as it could be. While there are performers that just put in some costumes for fun, there are others that go way beyond what’s real and child’s play. They even become pray to the forces of darkness just to provide a show that will give the fright of a lifetime.


8. ParaNorman

ParaNorman is an offering that provides some hilarious relief apart from most paranormal movies that present a horrific, scary, and spine-tingling plot. Aside from being an animation that children will love, it also wallops some discrete yet imaginative shock that still gives a bit of a suspenseful feeling, despite being cartoon. Norman resembles a bit like Danny Phantom if you could notice, and that gives out a sign that makes you expect some spooks along the way.


7. Frankenweenie

One who knows Tim Burton movies very well would experience some kind of a trip back to memory lane, to the time when Jack Skellington was making sure that a nightmare can ruin Christmas. The elements are very same, but Frankenweenie has a plot that is Halloween in concept but not that scary. This show is actually great for kids of all ages, even those who are looking to have a spooky time this Halloween.


6. The Devil’s Carnival

Hell is coming to town and Lucifer has just made the perfect place to invite those souls who are wondering and looking for a path to find their lasting joy. The Devil’s Carnival shows the journey of three different individuals who have been led to such a place due to the sins they have done to compromise their lives. With Aesop’s Fables found at the beginning of the story, you will find out that three of the scenes centered in the characters are related to each part of one of Aesop’s fables.


5. The Black Dahlia Haunting

The history and mystery of The Black Dahlia begun in 1947, noted as one of the unsolved crimes that is yet to be unfolded. However, the spirit of Elizabeth Short had been playing games to the people who have tried to solve the crime and see that everything else becomes as shrouded as things have been for the longest time.  This time around, the haunting sees its end thanks to a girl that would try to change everything.


4. Blood Cousins

Commemorating the death anniversary of a grandmother is sometimes viewed as a moment where relatives, cousins, and blood connections are gathered together in oneness. Blood Cousins show of the same event. Four cousins have met and took off a joyride to their grandmother. However, what seemed to be funny at first begins to shroud evil as their journey comes to a close. This is because of the secrets that are being unveiled as they stay longer in a place that is far away from their reach.


3. Dead Collections

The movie’s lines may give you some hint on what to expect with this indie movie, where it says “Don’t fear the dead, fear the living.” Dead Collections is about a woman that losses everything and is forced to live in her uncle’s house. However, as she stayed there, she sensed that the place was haunted, where she sees the wandering soul of a little girl. While this may be enough reason to be scared to death, there is another force in the residence that has the ability to hurt and kill… And she had to stay to find out the real nature of fear.


2. The Woodsman

The plot is surrounded with the finding of The Woodsman, a creature in the woods that may level up to the mysterious identity of the Yeti or the Loch Ness monster. A host who is creating a show about this being went missing, and a colleague went on the search to find the person. Documenting every moment of his search not only gave a perfect suspense horrific feeling, just like the first Blairwitch Project movie, but it also, unintentionally captured the existence of what seemed to be an urban legend for most unbelievers.


1. Murder University

You may be surprised why this movie became number 1 in the list of the top 10 horror movies of 2012. It may not be kind of movie that you might be expecting, such as being famous in the big screen or being viewed by an international audience. In fact, you may even think of it as an indie movie with poor looking visual effects. However, what makes it special is the plot that involves cult killings being brought to school grounds, and a survivor of the killing that comes back after 20 years; solving a crime that will end the killing spree in the university.

Read More

Top 10 Most Bizarre Cemeteries in the World

There are different celebrations and holidays across the world and most of them have significant impact in the history, and to individuals who have contributed something that have changed the pages of the past. Hence, aside from individual existence celebrations, there is a day or two days celebration to those people who have passed the mortality state. It is true that they are not forgotten especially by their families, relatives, and even friends. Nonetheless, we are being united as nations to remember them in this once a year holiday and event which runs in a day or few days that depends on religious beliefs, and traditions. Majority of Catholic believers or followers have been allotting days in order to be with their loved ones who have departed already by visiting their tombs in cemeteries and would stay there in hours or even an overnight. This is the time where they hallow it, which is the same reason why it is called Halloween, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls Day. It is popular in most of the Christian and western countries especially in the circle of Catholicism. This is the reason why it is called All Saints’ Day because the word saint refers to Christian. This is the day of great feast where people gathered together not at home, but in cemeteries, and there are post celebrations of it through Halloween parties which are one of the events where they could dress up in scary costumes and make-up. Nonetheless, the central part of it happens in cemeteries since it’s a day of remembrance to all people who have died already. To make this day worth remembering, let’s get down to the top 10 most bizarre cemeteries in the world.

10. Cimetiere des Chiens

It is also known as a public cemetery intended for pets specifically for domesticated animals like dogs and cats. It is true that there also other pet cemeteries in different parts of the world, but this one is the oldest, and it’s the only one that had an original concept that pets can have their own tombs. You could find it situated in Asnieres-sur-Seine in Paris, France. It was established in 1899 because of the law that was passed and implemented then that none of the citizens of France can dump the dead bodies of their pets anywhere especially in Seine River or even in garbage pits.

9. Cross Bones Graveyard

It becomes the final resting place for single women who died during the medieval time, and it became known then as the Single Women’s graveyard. Hence, these women are actually gigolos or hustlers who have sold their virtue in expense of financial gain. They are better known as prostitutes or Winchester Geese, and it’s located in Greater London, United Kingdom. Since these women were rejected to be buried in the traditional Christian burial because they are considered dirty. You could find colorful decorations at the entrance of the graveyard which are mixes of ribbons, pictures, flowers, and etc.

8. Le Mummie di Urbania

You could find this Church of the dead situated in Italy which was established in 1830. It is also known the house or cemetery for mummies. You would not feel comfortable visiting this place and creepy thoughts may run into your mind because of numbers of natural mummification that you would see inside. In fact, when you reach the altar you would automatically see the 18 bodies that were already mummified. Based on the history, this place was used primarily to assist those people to have a decent and convenient transportation of corpses especially to those loved ones who were not financially stable to bury them in cemeteries.

7. Old Jewish Cemetery

It is one of the precious yet weirdest cemeteries that you could see in Prague, Czech Republic which is literally an old Jewish Cemetery based in the history since it has been affirmed that it has been existing since 15^th century back. The approximate dead that were buried here are about 200,000 and it became one of the memorials within the Jewish community in Prague. Aside from the opportunity of seeing this place you could also tour around upon admission and visit the synagogues and the Jewish Museum.

6. Okunoin Cemetery

This is the largest cemetery found in Japan because you could find more than 200,000 tombstones here. You could find it situated on Mount Kaya which is near Osaka. This is not the typical and standard cemeteries that you could find in some places of the world since there is a strong connection and relevance of it to their temple. It is indeed a sacred graveyard in the mountain where you could find giant cups, spaceships, and other monuments which were built in memories of the employees who worked for Astronautical.

5. The Merry Cemetery

This cemetery is very inviting, and it’s not comparable with other cemeteries, where you feel lonesome, sadness, and creepiness since it’s the place of resting for our dead loved ones. The only difference is the happy welcome and cozy feeling that you would greet you from this Merry Cemetery which is found in Sapinta, Romania where you could find attractive and colorful designs of crosses instead of the traditional ones that makes anyone’s feel that it’s indeed the place of burial. It’s indeed a cheerful graveyard for the dead since you could find poems written in respect to the lives of those who are buried here. There are craftsmen that would greet any visitor a warm hello, and indeed, it’s a place where you could find happiness despite of the death of a loved one.

4. Mysterious Hanging Coffins

Hanging coffins is one of the common customs and traditions in most of the countries in the continent of Asia. Hence, the weirdest of them all is one found in China, wherein most of the coffins are made out of the wooden stakes and they are being laid on rocks, or placed in caves, and one of the oldest hanging coffins in China is the Wuyi Mountain Coffins which dated back over 3,750 years old. The typical way of burying our dead is under the ground, but this one you’ll see their coffins hanging.

3. Catacombe dei Cappuccini

In English translation it is called Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo which is located in Palermo, Italy, and it becomes one of the tourist attractions of the country. This is the place where you could see the high preservation of mummified bodies, and human skeletons. It’s established and maintained until now in order to help everyone see how the line between life and death is being opened. It is also called as a human library because of thousands of bodies that you can find in this place. There are divisions for mummified bodies for children, male, female, professors, monks, and priests. All of them are dressed in clothes under the period that they lived, and it’s ranked according to their social status in life. This is not just an ordinary cemetery, because it is also a museum where you could see dead people on display.

2. The Neptune Memorial Reef

This is the very first burial place which is not found on air, and not even under the ground because it’s deep in the sea. According to history, it is an Atlantis City which is also a popular lost city that was developed for all sea and ocean lovers. This is being managed by the Neptune Society Cremation, wherein they offer cremation services to people where they could scatter or dispose the ashes of their loved ones here which is 40 feet below the Key Biscayne surface which is situated in Miami, Florida. It is indeed another option for a greener and freshest burial home for our departed loved ones.

1. Ancient Egyptian Burial Grounds

This is the great yet mysterious Pyramid in Egypt which is being visited by thousands of travelers, and tourists from different parts of the world. In fact, it is one of the 7 wonders of the world which serves as a burial place for royal and important figures where you could find the body of Pharaoh Khufu. It is indeed ancient old, although there are approximations of its existence, but it is one of the priceless memoirs that Egypt preserves since it’s a reflection of their history.

Read More

10 Facts about the Day of the Dead

There are different ways and months when people pay respect to their loved ones, close relatives, and even friends who have already departed this mortal life. Aside from their birth and death dates, there is an appointed day across the globe when we remember them and memories shared, where most of them have been good experiences. This is not a time to mourn but a time to celebrate when  they were once with us. Hence, there are important facts that we ought to know for us to value not just their connections with us, but also how valuable the day is. It is also known as All Souls Day and it is not just a celebration for the Mexicans, but also for the Canadians and those who are living in the United States.




10. It is on November 02

Although this is mostly associated with the Mexican celebration where this event originated, nonetheless, this is really set in November 02 since there is a separate celebration being done in November 01 and 02.


9. A Celebration of Life


When people think of this day, they are thinking of sorrow, pain, grief, and suffering because someone who was close to their hearts left them. This is not the time to recall the feeling of loss but it is a time to live a new life. It is a time to move on but it does not mean that we will forget them. In fact, we could etch their memory in our hearts, especially the happy moments that we have had with them.


8. Constructions of Altar Decorated with Marigold
 
In Mexico, they do celebrate two consecutive days for their loved ones who already passed away in this mortal life where they create an altar with full decorations of marigold. Aside from that, they are filling the pathway towards the altar with marigold, significantly impressing that they will be guided to the altar.


7. November 01 Honors Deceased Children and Infants


This is the day where people usually visit cemeteries, create altars for the death of loved ones, and even make preparations prior to November 01 and 02. Nonetheless, November 01 is the time that people from Mexico give tribute to children because they represent innocence and purity. They are the young ones and infants who died at a tender age.


6. November 02 Honors Deceased Adult
 
This is the day for all the deceased adults where they are being remembered after their long years of stay here on earth.


5. Special Loaves of Bread is Baked

A special loaf of bread is being prepared and baked, known as Hojaldra, which is distinct for its kind of sweetness. It has a different shape compared to a regular type of pastry that can be bought in common days. It has four sections that represent cardinal directions that symbolizes to the direction of the soul.


4. Incense Is Use


Aside from marigold which is used when decorating the altar for that person who has died already, incense is one of the primary elements during altar preparation. It is part of the customs and traditions since they believe it shuns away negative energy, or better known as bad spirits, to lead them to the place where they have to go.


3. Food is Offer to their Graves


Along with flowers and bread, other leftover food is being offered. The Chinese has a different way of doing it, but not during the Day of the Dead where they serve the best of food and other offerings to their departed loved ones. Most of the offerings are hot chocolates, mole, tamales, and other foods available on your end. People in Mexico believe that their spirits consume the scents of these foods.


2. It is not Halloween
 
In some Asian countries and even in the United States, they thought of it as a Halloween Party wherein they would have to wear something scary to represent this day. In most cases, it falls on November 02 since November 01 is really the day to contemplate and make a peaceful commemoration of the deaths of their relatives, family, or associates. Nonetheless, it is not really a Halloween for the Mexicans, but a deep reflection to the souls of the loved ones who are dead.


1. Celebration Varies From October 31, November 01 and November 02


Where we are and whatever culture, traditions, and customs we are brought up by our parents and ancestors, the spirit of this day brings us to remember their worth and significance. It could have been a celebration for other countries in October 31, while others observe it in November 01 and November 02. Nonetheless, let us remember how these people feel whenever they see us doing something for them to reciprocate the love that we have for them that despite they are not presently with us, they are remembered and will never be forgotten by heart and mind because they are part of us.

Read More