El Día de Los Muertos
What is Día de Los Muertos? Day of the Dead was an ancient tradition for many of the native tribes of Mexico and Central America (Aztecs, Mayas) These ancient festivities would last up to 2 months! The belief is that dying is a natural process of life. It is not feared. It is expected and celebrated. Death is celebrated as the beginning of a new life. When one dies, he begins an eternal life. The eternal life can only continue for the dead if they are remembered in the minds and hearts of their loved ones.
“Living is sleeping, Dying Is Awakening”
After the Spanish Conquest The Spaniards didn’t agree with this view of death. They attempted to ban all celebrations because they considered it worshiping the dead. Although they converted the majority of natives to Catholicism, honoring the dead was not something the natives were willing to give up. The Catholic church allowed them to celebrate and honor their dead on one day, November 2nd. They attached it to All Saints Day (11/1).
Today Día de los Muertos continues to be an important holiday throughout Mexico and Central America. Variations of the tradition are celebrated worldwide. In the US, Day of the Dead has become popular in the southwest.
PETALUMA Day of the Dead Celebration
Altars- Las Ofrendas The belief is that the dead visit these altars on November 2nd. Everything on the altar is placed there for them to enjoy. Altars come in a variety of shapes and forms but there are some important traditional features.
Las Ofrendas- Traditional Photo of the deceased Candles to light their way (N,E,S,W) Candle for each person being remembered, and one extra for anyone that may have been forgotten Food/drink that they enjoyed Salt to season their food (their taste buds need some waking up!) Bread- Pan de Muerto
Las Ofrendas- Traditional A bowl of water, soap and a washcloth to clean up for their party. A mirror, brush, comb and toiletries for them to look their best. Cempasuchil- marigolds are the flower of the dead Calaveras- sugar skulls