Reflecting on Día de los Muertos and the Value of Life
Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is a meaningful Spanish holiday that celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed away while keeping their memories alive.
My introduction to this holiday came through the 2017 animated film “Coco,” which tells the story of Miguel, a young boy with a deep love for music despite the disapproval of his family — an irrational disapproval, or so he thought. As the story unfolds, Miguel encounters his ancestors and unravels the secrets that bind his family beyond death.
The impact of “Coco” and the essence of Día de los Muertos left a lasting impression on me about death and life. However, it wasn’t until I stumbled upon a post claiming that the departed are more valuable than the living that I was prompted to reflect further.
Unrealized Potential: The Significance of Lives Cut Short
One of my all-time favourite TV shows, “Friends,” which ran from 1994 to 2004, featured six main characters, each cherished for their unique qualities. Among them, Chandler Bing, renowned for his sarcastic humour, left an indelible mark on viewers. Sadly, news broke recently of the passing of the actor who portrayed him, Matthew Perry, on October 28.
In the wake of his passing, it appears that Matthew Perry has resurfaced in our collective memory, leading some to believe in the idea that he became more valuable after his death. I, however, beg to differ. He has always been valuable, it’s just more glaring now that we’ll never see him again (except in old videos).
Valor de la Vida is a Spanish phrase translating into “the value of life.”
In my opinion, the value of individuals doesn’t increase after their passing; instead, their worth becomes more apparent to us because they are no longer with us. So, while it is sometimes true that the dead are valued more than the living; it shouldn’t be. And this doesn’t mean the dead lack value.
Deceased individuals cannot be more valuable than the living. However, it is true that, as humans, we often take those we see regularly for granted. That’s a fact. One-time opportunities, on the other hand, are often treasured and celebrated. So it’s not that people become more valuable when they die. It’s more like we lament the value they may or may not have brought to the world had they not died. We mourn the unpredictable, unrealised potential that they might have had and will never realize. They could have gone on to do great things or nothing at all. And now, we’ll never know.
In memory of Matthew Perry, a remarkable life worth remembering, and the beloved character, never to be forgotten, Chandler Bing, I pay my respects. This sentiment extends to all those who have departed before us. To them, I say:
Rest in peace.
As for the rest of us still living, let’s appreciate our loved ones while they live — the one time we can.
Let’s value life while it’s still there. Not just after people die.
P.S. I intended to post this reflection yesterday, on the Day of the Dead, but due to a busy schedule and exhaustion, I lost track of time. Regrettably, I also misplaced my initial draft, resulting in this rewrite. Nonetheless, I hope it captures the essence of my original thoughts and sentiments.
