Between Samheim and Day of the Dead, I'm very familiar with honoring the spirits of the departed, feasting, partying, etc., but this is the first time I've encountered the "cash" phenomenom. I realize it's probably more along the lines of the families making a personal sacrifice by burning the money (or donating it, or whatever happens to the real cash) but at first glance I thought "ghosts take bribes?"
My daughter got the molds and instructions and made absolutely gorgeous sugar skulls for Day of the Dead - a major biggie down here with the high Mexican population - and she ran into a problem or two attempting to explain it to "back easters." "You're doing...what? Isn't that morbidly depressing and gross?" Well, no, it isn't. It's joyful.
I love hearing about different cultures.
