Decoration Day in Liberia

Decoration Day in Liberia is a public holiday observed on the second Wednesday of March annually. This day is dedicated to the remembrance and decoration of the graves of deceased relatives and friends. It has deep cultural significance for Liberians, reflecting the nation's respect for their ancestors and those who have passed away.

History

The tradition of Decoration Day has its roots in honoring soldiers who died during wars, similar to Memorial Day in the United States. However, in Liberia, this practice has evolved to encompass all deceased individuals regardless of their military status.

Traditions

On Decoration Day, Liberian families visit cemeteries with brooms, cutlasses, paint, flowers, and other decorative items to clean and adorn the gravesites of their loved ones. The activities often include:

• Cleaning: Families remove weeds and debris from around gravesites.
• Painting: Tombstones and grave areas are often repainted to look new.
• Decorating: Graves are decorated with flowers and other tokens of remembrance.
• Praying: People pray for the souls of their departed family members.
• Feasting: Some families bring food and have picnics at the gravesites as part of a communal remembrance.

What People Do on This Day

On Decoration Day in Liberia:

• Many take the day off from work as it is a public holiday.
• Family members travel from afar to join together at cemeteries.
• Social gatherings occur around graveyards, strengthening family bonds.
• It is a time for storytelling where elders pass down family histories.

Decoration Day serves as an important cultural moment that allows Liberians to honor their history while maintaining a sense of connection with those who have died.