Day of the Dead
Celebrating the Mexican Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is celebrated each year in Mexico and by Latinos in other countries starting on November 1. The intent of the holiday is to focus on remembering family members and friends who have passed on; not in a mournful way, but in a celebration honoring the dead. Common symbols of the holiday are the Day of the Dead skulls, which are not meant to be frightening.
Origins of the Mexican Day of the Dead
The ancient civilizations in Mexico held death in reverence. It was an honor, for instance, to die in battle, in childbirth or as a result of human sacrifice. Skulls were kept as trophies to symbolize death and subsequent rebirth. With the arrival of the Spaniards, pre-Hispanic and Catholic rituals were combined to create Day of the Dead rituals.
November 1 is known as All Saints Day, Day of the Innocents or Day of the Little Angels, and is the day when infants and children who have died are honored. On the next day, November 2, the adults who have died are remembered; this day is known as All Souls Day. It is believed that during the Day of the Dead, the souls of the departed can more easily visit the living.
Day of the Dead Traditions
Cemetery visits are common during the Day of the Dead, and private altars are sometimes constructed which contain Christian crosses, candles and photos and memorabilia of the departed, as well as their favorite beverages and foods. In addition, special Day of the Dead food such as candied pumpkin and sugar skulls are taken to the graves or placed at the altars. Prior to the holiday, there is preparation for the grave visits and altar construction, including activities such as making traditional Day of the Dead recipes like pan de muerto (bread of the dead). Day of the Dead art may also be displayed; this often depicts skeletons in clothing and scenes from everyday life.
Families and friends gather at the grave sites or the altars and reminisce about the departed, often with a humorous tone and possibly while drinking alcoholic beverages. In the United States, communities with people from Mexico celebrate the holiday in much the same way as Day of the Dead in Mexico is observed. In some cities, Day of the Dead traditions have been blended with rituals from traditional harvest festivals to create unique events such as Tucson’s annual All Soul’s Procession and the Day of the Dead gathering at the cemetery near Hollywood, California.
