Archives for November 1st, 2005

Red candles light up Slovenian cemetaries on November 1st.

Today is All Soul’s Day, or as Slovenes commonly call it (thanks to the communists) dan mrtvih, or "day of the dead." (Officially it’s actually Dan spomina na mrtve, or "Day to Remember the Dead.") Some people don’t care for it, and others spend it gorging on discount candy in America, but it’s still enormously popular here.

I’ve
always liked it, actually. I suppose there’s something about cemetaries
lighting up that’s very life-affirming. Or maybe it just looks neat-o.
Either way, it’s one of my favorite holidays.

And in keeping with
the circle of life: Yesterday, my wife gave birth to a healthy son. Let
it never be said that I’m not doing my part in fighting Slovenia’s existential crisis.
He was born shortly after midnight, after a very quick and very painful
delivery. Despite having a secondary role in the whole thing, I’m still
quite exhausted, and bracing myself for the long sleepless nights
ahead. But inside I’m positively glowing. Radiating, in fact.

If there are some interruptions in service ahead, you’ll know the reason!