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México's Day of the Dead.
A blending of Catholic and Aztec Cultures.
El Día de los Muertos is perhaps the most popular holiday in México. Families come together to honor their ancestors. The inevitability of death is accepted rather than feared
Día de los Muertos is a Mexican
celebration with deep Pre-Hispanic root and a Christian modality, that is celebrated on 02
November to commemorate those who have passed away.
Depending on the region where it is practiced, Día de los Muertos is represented in many ways. One of the most common practices in Mexican homes is the creation of an altar. This tradition is based on the belief that at this time of year the souls of the dead are allowed to visit their relatives.
Altars generally remain in the home for a few days and are mainly adorned with paper cuts and zempaxuchitl [marigolds]. The altars are also decorated with votive candles and religious images or portraits of dead relatives. Food offerings of the favorite dishes of the deceased, such as typical regional dishes like tamales, moles, atoles, etc., are an essential part of the altar.
The lights of the votive candles act as a lighthouse to attract and guide the souls of the deceased to their own altar so that when they arrive, they will be able to enjoy what has been prepared for them.
Food, and votive candles are also taken to the cemeteries, along with marigolds, that traditional flower of the dead, and placed over the tombstones, with the same idea of the home altars. They strew paths of petals of the marigolds to lead the spirits to the offerings. Offerings left on the graves usually include salt and water, symbols of ongoing life. The people dance, sing and share memories of their loved ones, welcoming their spirits, who are thought to return briefly to take part in the celebration.
Since Día de los Muertos carries the ideal of renovation or fertility, certain "freedoms" are given and are visible in the popular art forms. One of the well known reflections of freedom is the writing of satirical poems known as "calaveras," that often focus on political or social personalities and friends. The subjects of the "calaveras" are often humorously described as being seen in the company of "the bald lady" of "the skinny girl" and other common characters representing "death."
It is also customary during these days to exchange and eat "pan de Muertos" [day of the dead bread} and sugar candy skulls. The bread and sugar skulls usually are decorated with the names of friends and family and are eaten as a gift, demonstrating the acceptance, realization and celebration of one's own death.
I've written this page to help us see the richness of the Mexican culture, and the belief in everlasting life and the bond that endures beyond death. As Christians we believe we are united with those who have gone before us in the Communion of Saints. We help those who have died by our prayers and they help us from their places in Heaven.
Visits to Mexico had been confusing to me, especially with the many handmade representations of death, and even skeletons dancing, singing, and engaging in many earthly pursuits. Only after coming to understand a little of what Día de los Muertos is all about did I come to an appreciation of this part of Mexican tradition.
What a wonderfully friendly way to teach their children about death, too. Our Church is surely vast. The more we understand the cultures of our sisters and brothers around the world the more we feel a real bond with them.
Some Día de los Muertos Links A Good Introduction to el Día de los Muertos Many more Día de los Muertos Links |
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