The History of Day of the Dead

The Mexican holiday El Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is an opportunity for Mexicans to remember and pay tribute to their deceased loved ones.

Celebrated between October 31st and November 2nd, this holiday is similar to the American celebration of Halloween, with its themes of death and the spirit world. However, unlike the modern-day interpretation of Halloween, El Día de los Muertos is neither morbid nor gloomy. It is a festive remembrance of those who have departed.

The Day of the Dead has its origins of a number of different national and religious customs. In pre- Hispanic times, the Mexican people maintained deep and personal times with their dead. In fact, family members were often buried directly underneath their homes.

When the colonizing Spaniards arrived, they brought with them their Catholic customs, including All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day. These Christian practices link back to Samhein, the ancient Celtic holiday that honored the transition of the dead from this world to the spirit world.

The Mexican people eventually blended their strong spiritual ties to the dead with the influencing Catholic holidays of All Souls' and All Saint's Day.

The Mexicans believe that during the Day of the Dead, spirits return to Earth for the day to be with their families. Little angel (angelitos) spirits arrive on October 31st at midnight and stay for 24 hours. Adults come the next day and stay through November 2.

According to Bobbi Salinas, author of Indo-Hispanic Folk Art Traditions, Day of the Dead "is a uniquely Indo-Hispanic custom that demonstrates [a] strong sense of love and respect for one's ancestors; celebrates the continuance of life, family relationships, community solidarity and even finds humor after death -- all positive concepts!"

Customs Around the World In the USA, most people avoid talking about death Many other cultures around the world have rituals for remembering loved ones. Many other cultures have similar rituals involving the lighting of lamps or candles and laying out food and drinks Even ancient Egyptians had similar traditions or remembering loved ones

Customs vary throughout Mexico Most celebrations include: Decoration and family gathering at cemetery Special foods Ofrendas (offerings) on altars Religious rites and prayers Often there are fireworks!

In many regions, November 1 is dedicated to the remembrance of deceased infants and children Adults are honored November 2

In mid-October markets begin displaying items needed for Dia de los Muertos including: Skeletons (toys, figurines, sweets) Papel Picado Floral wreaths and crosses Candles Fresh flowers -cempazuchiles (marigolds) -barro de obispo (cockscomb) Sugar or chocolate skulls and coffins Pan de muerto (bread of the dead)

"What Are Calacas?"

Handmade skeleton figurines, called calacas, are part of the Day of the Dead celebration. Calacas usually show an active and joyful afterlife

Figures of musicians, generals on horseback, even skeletal brides, in their white bridal gowns marching down the aisles with their boney grooms.

Calacas Skeletons are often shown in everyday activities which depict a dead person’s profession or interests. The calacas are often placed on altars. This shows the spirit that he has not been forgotten.

Papel Picado

Floral wreaths and crosses

Velas (Candles)

Fresh Flowers

Pan de Muertos

Sugar Skulls Children are given sugar skulls with their names written on the forehead!

Altars Elaborate home altars, called ofrenda's, are traditionally made to honor those departed spirits who have come back home for a brief visit

Food and personal memorabilia are left on the altar, and it is believed that the spirits will consume the essence and enjoy their aroma of the offerings. After the spirits have returned to the spirit world, family and friends will enjoy a feast of the altar foods.

Altars in the home

*Altars have decorations: papel picado, candles, flowers, photographs of the departed, candy skulls with the name of the deceased *Altars have foods and drinks: bottles of beer or tequila, cups of atole (a sweet drink made of milk, sugar, and corn starch) or coffee, pop (many families will sacrifice to purchase a favorite brand!) and fresh water, as well as platters of rice, beans, chicken or meat in mole sauce, candied pumpkin or sweet potatoes, fruits and breads.

The altar… An area of the home is cleared of furnishings Floors and walls are washed A table is covered with clean sheets, a blanket, or tablecloth Incense is usually burned Many candles are lit

Spirits return home…there they find many “goodies” they enjoyed while living

A wash basin and clean towel are placed on the altar for the spirit to “freshen up” after a long journey Favorite foods and drinks Favorite cigarettes or cigars

Toys and candy for spirits of deceased children

Atole de leche

Mole (pronounced mole-ay)

Bebidas (drinks)

Tamales

Family members clean tombs and gravestones Pull weeds Tombs are painted and repaired if needed Graves are decorated with flower crosses, wreaths, or floral arrangements

This young boy has returned from the market with flowers for the cemetery

Procession to the cemetery

The army band participates in a local parade

Many towns have parades including processions on horseback

A group of músicos entertains at the cemetery

En el cementerio Family members gather at the cemetery. They bring picnics and mariachi bands may play favorite songs. Local restaurants set up food stands. An outdoor church service is usually held.

The Connection to Halloween Day of the Dead celebrations have continually changed and adapted throughout modern history, bridging a diversity of cultures and customs in Mexico and to the north, in the United States.

Celebrations for Day of the Dead are also becoming increasingly popular in America, especially in communities with large Hispanic populations.

As these festivities have taken root, the influence of Halloween is growing -- not only in the U.S. but also back in Mexico. Mexican children now go trick-or-treating and dressing up in costumes has become a popular tradition.

Images and information taken from and