The Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, is celebrated in Mexico and across the world on November 2nd each year. Celebrations often start a few weeks before, and culminations of events occur from October 31 through November 2. At that time, families gather together to remember and honor their deceased loved ones. Instead of being a sad moment, it is viewed as a sacred, joyous time to celebrate the ones we loved who have passed on before us. Day of the Dead traditions include food and flowers, visits with family members, prayers, and stories about those who have died. In addition, many public celebrations are held to honor all the spirits as well. There are often altar displays, face painting, parades, and families visit the graves of loved ones. In the meantime, keep reading below to learn more about the Day of the Dead traditions and celebrations.
Day of the Dead Celebration
In Mexico, after someone passes away, a vigil is usually held with family and friends that lasts for 24 to 48 hours or more. At that time, they will eat and drink together, guests will pray and bring the family gifts, and people spend time sharing stories about their loved ones to honor them. In addition, the deceased will then be buried with their clothing and other important possessions as well. On the Day of the Day, many people return to the grave site of their loved one to pay their respects. In fact, many people also take time to clean up their loved ones’ grave site and leave gifts, flowers, and sugar skulls. Some people even spend the entire night there sharing stories, drinks, laughter, and lovingly remembering their family member or friend who has passed on.
Traditions of Day of the Dead
There are many different traditions when it comes to Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Day. To start with, the ofrenda is a very important part of this celebration. Known as an altar in English, ofrendas are basically offerings made specifically for the deceased. Some are constructed in the cemetery where the deceased lay, while other people build altars in their homes. Day of the Dead Festivals are also very popular for this important holiday as well. You will see vibrant colored papel picado, which is colorful paper that has cut outs and is strung above as decorations. Next, La Catrina is an important figure in Day of the Dead who is a skeleton woman wearing elegant clothes that has inspired many men and women to put on skull makeup and imitate her during the Mexican holiday.
Día de Los Muertos Facts
Did you know that the Day of the Dead can be traced to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica? It’s true! In fact, Día de los Muertos goes back to the time of the Aztecs, who spent an entire month dedicated to the dead. During the festivities that were presided over by the goddess Mictecacihuatl, the annual ancient celebration featured skeletons, altars and other trappings of death, while simultaneously celebrating life and embracing death at the same time. Also, Marigolds are believed to serve as the pathway to the mortal world and are often found on altars and Day of the Dead decor. Yellow and orange colors are used in this holiday to represent marigolds, the sun, and light. Marigolds are the flowers of the dead and are believed to aid the deceased in finding their way back home due to their strong scent and bright colors. Lastly, the color red is used to represent blood.
More About Dia de Muertos Altars
As stated above, the Día de Muertos tradition of building private altars continues today. The altars contain the favorite foods and beverages of the deceased, as well as photos and memorabilia. The intent is to encourage visits by the souls, so the souls will hear the prayers and the words of the living that are shared in their honor. In addition, 4 important elements to include in a Day of the Day altar are water, wind, earth, and fire. For example, water is left in a pitcher so the spirits can quench their thirst. Next, Papel picado, or traditional paper banners, represent the wind. Then, the earth is represented by food, especially bread. Lastly, fire is represented by candles that are lit on the altar. In addition, you will also see sugar skulls, oil cloths, alebrijes, and favorite foods and drinks of the deceased. Many people also clean up their loved one’s grave site and leave gifts and flowers.
We hope you enjoyed this article about Day of the Dead traditions and celebrations which occur on November 2nd each year.
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