What is Dia de los Muertos?
The Cultural History of this Latin-American Cultural Celebration
What is Dia de los Muertos?
Dia de los Muertos is an annual reunion of souls and relatives, where the deceased have returned to witness their familia again through the passage of marigolds or marigold petals as guidance. While all souls travel to reunite with the living on November 2nd, November 1st is “All Saints Day” which is shared with the return of all the Children’s spirits (niñas, niños). The origins of this celebration was based off of a combination of Meso-american beliefs with Catholic teachings and was brought to the region by Spanish conquerors. This was the grounding for the roots and traditions that so many practice to this day. Many people in this culture during the day will go to Catholic mass in the earlier hours and continue their celebration throughout their day but this is just one piece that brings everyone together.
Along with the return of the deceased, the living go through weeks, or even months of preparation. Traditional dancers practice for the upcoming performances, Musicians practice for cities and town parades and celebrations and Familias prepare by making Pan De Muertos (Bread Of The Dead), tamales, Calaveras de Azúcar (Sugar Skulls) and the deceased personal Items, favorite drinks, foods and treats. Along with making the spirits offerings, the familias will spend quality time together with creating the passed members ofrendas (Altars/Offerings) and getting them ready for their house, cemetery or/and celebration of Dia de los Muertos. As for the day of Dia de los Muertos, many people will mimic the Calavera Catrina which would include dressing in suits, fancy traditional clothes or for feminine looks girls will wear fancy dresses however; Extreme skull face painting to basic skull face painting is commonly used with different types of colors, glitters, jewels, styles and personalities.
Familiar symbols of Dia de los Muertos
While death as a topic can be either sad or macbre, Dia de los Muertos uses images such as Calacas and Calaveras (skeletons and skulls), alongside images of loved ones and are a part of regular celebrations. These Calacas and Calaveras which appear everywhere during the holiday have become indelible with the festival. Additionally, candied sweets, parades, masks, and dolls all take on Calaveras image making them the most familiar symbols of Dia de los Muertos.
Hospitality
Pan De Muertos is the “Bread Of The Dead” and almost always on any Ofrenda, it is a very common treat offering shared throughout Dia De Los Muertos.
A common belief is that the spirits, that are friends and family, would be tired from their journey. To show respect and affection, Ofrendas are decorated with altar honoree’s favorite food and beverages to replenish them.
As a community gathers and the spirits of the living and the departed revel together, bread, cakes, and other treats are freely shared to ensure all spirits are fed.
Colorful Celebrations
Marigolds are often referred to as “Flowers Of The Dead”(Flor De Muerto), It is to attract the souls that have passed and bring them to their Ofrenda. The colors were chosen to reflect the light and warmth of fire, one of the four elements found in a traditional Ofrenda.
Ofrendas (altars) vary in color to reflect the favorite colors of their subject. The collections of paper flowers, personal items and decorative art create places that celebrate loved ones.
