Everyone on Earth either already has or someday will lose someone they love. It is one of the unfortunate but undeniable facts of life that eventually life comes to an end. What happens after that end has been a matter of religious debate for thousands of years, but no one with any sense of reality ever claimed that the end does not eventually arrive for everyone. When it does, the ones left behind are forced to grapple with their loss.

Everyone mourns and grieves in their own way, but even after the worst of the grieving process is over, people still miss those that have died. They will continue to miss their loved ones until they too cross over. As such, almost every culture on Earth has some way to remember, recognize and reconnect with departed loved ones. This may be done in small, personal ways at home or in large, communal ceremonies. It may happen every day or it may be as part of a larger festival. Many cultures have celebrations that are dedicated entirely to remembering and honoring those that have died. Here are six holidays that honor the dead.