Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and colorful Mexican holiday that has captured the hearts and imaginations of people who visit and travel through the country. It is often mischaracterized as Mexican Halloween. Although the date is near Halloween, this holiday is a unique celebration that honors deceased loved ones and celebrates the continuity of life.
Dia de los Muertos can be traced back to Native Mexican civilizations, particularly the Aztec, Mayan, and Toltec cultures. These indigenous peoples had a high respect for death and believed in an afterlife. For them, death was not the end but rather a natural part of the cycle of life. This is what laid the foundation for the modern celebration. Through the years, Catholic traditions merged with the indigenous beliefs, resulting in the Dia de los Muertos we know today.
The Celebration
Dia de los Muertos is celebrated over several days, beginning November 1st. This coincides with the Catholic holiday of All Saints Day. The celebration is a fusion of pre-Hispanic and Catholic rituals, creating unique and colorful events including larger community festivals.
Ofrendas, or Altars, are created by families to honor their deceased loved ones. These altars are adorned with flowers, candles, skulls, photos of the deceased loved ones, their favorite foods, and mementos. It is believed that the departed returned to visit the living during these days, and the “ofrendas” are a way to welcome them.
Skeletons and skulls are iconic symbols of Dia de los Muertos. People often wear skeleton costumes, paint their faces to resemble skulls, and craft colorful sugar skulls. These are not meant to be scary but rather as a reminder that death is a natural part of life and something that we all will face.
My reflection on seeing and learning about this holiday is that Dia de los Muertos serves as a time for families and communities to come together to remember and celebrate their loved ones who have passed away. It’s meant to be a joyful occasion that provides a sense of connection with those who are no longer with us. It allows people to grieve, heal, and keep the memories of their departed family members while celebrating the gift of life.
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