Ekaterini Spiropulu-Rigas Spanish for Educators II October 29, 2011 DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS

HISTORYHISTORY  It originates in the Aztec culture were rituals that mocked death were practiced (use of skeletons and sculls).  The Spaniard conquistadors considered these rituals to be barbaric and sacrilegious. In an effort to stop the Aztecs from practicing their rituals they moved the date of its celebration to coincide with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.  Unlike the Spaniards who viewed death as the end of life, the Aztecs viewed it as a continuation of life. They did not fear it but they embraced it. To them, life was a dream and only in death did one become fully aware.  Today this celebration is known as Dia de los Muertos, and it is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd in Mexico, in Hispanic communities in the United, and in parts of Central America.  The celebration still maintains elements of both the Aztec and Catholic traditions.

THE ALTAR – LA OFRENDA Families build an altar (usually in three tiers) at home, in honor of their deceased relatives.

COMMON ELEMENTS OF AN OFRENDA The intriguing custom of decorating an altar vary from region to region, but there are some common themes and elements:  Papel picado -- colorful tissue paper cut-outs in the shape of skulls and skeletons  Candles  Calaveritas de azucar -- sugar candy made in the shape of skulls inscribed with the deceased’s name  Pan de muerto -- sugar sweet rolls, decorated with dough shaped like bones or animas (humanoid skeleton figures), are baked and eaten, and are placed on the altars for the spirit to enjoy too.

 Photographs of the departed  Cemparazuchil flowers -- marigolds, the traditional flower of death is used to decorate the altars and the gravesite.  Mole and Atole -- a thick sauce made from a variety of ingredients, including chilies, sesame seeds, herbs, spices, chocolate, and fruit (mole), and an ancient drink made from corn meal and water, flavored with fruits (atole); and a selection of the favorite foods and drinks of the honored deceased decorate the ofrenda too.  A favorite toy may also be placed at the altar honoring a deceased child. OFRENDA continued

 A fresh towel, soap, and water are also placed at the altars for the spirit to freshen up after the long journey back home.  Burning copal (incense) and the lit candles are meant to help the spirits find their way.  La Catrina -- The image of a skeleton woman opulently dressed is a favorite decoration. She represents La Muerte-Death.  Calacas -- whimsical skeleton figures that represent death are present everywhere. OFRENDA continued

THE CELEBRATION At the cemeteries, the graves are all cleaned up and decorated with a cross made up of marigold petals, and hundreds of votive candles illuminate the whole cemetery, guiding the souls to the altars (iluminación).

 November 1st is reserved for remembering the deceased infants and children, los angelitos (little angels). November 2nd the deceased adults are honored and remembered.  On November 2nd families gather at the gravesites. The mood is festive, not somber. Picnic baskets with food and drinks are spread out, stories about the deceased’s life are shared, music is played by mariachis, and families follow in a sing-along. Fireworks usually introduce an open air memorial mass followed by an all night visit at the cemetery. THE CELEBRATION continued

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION  Día de los Muertos embraces death as part of the life cycle and gives a chance to people to reflect at their own mortality. Instead of fearing it, Mexicans accept it as fact of life, respect it, and see it with a sense of hope.  Día de los Muertos represents a holiday with a rare mix of pre-Hispanic and Roman Catholic rituals. It is one of the many celebrations and traditions that combine pre-Hispanic and Spanish cultures defining the rich and unique Mexican culture and people of today.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS VIDEO Dia de los Muertos video (2:11) taken from

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