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Many of us choose to believe that death separates the dead from the living, but does it
really? The Day of the Dead (known as El Día de los Muertos), celebrated primarily in
Mexico and other parts of Latin America, is a way to honor the spirits of the departed.
Families and friends gather to remember and pray for those who have passed on. The
festivities occur November 1st and 2nd in conjunction with Catholicism's All Saints' Day
and All Souls' Day. In many regions of Mexico, the 1st of November is used to honor
departed children and infants, while deceased adults are honored on the 2nd of
November. Sometimes, adult spirits are "coaxed" out of the graves by taunting them on
the second day of festivities.
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During the Day of the Dead holiday, different
traditions may be witnessed. Many visit
cemeteries in large numbers to honor the
deceased; distribute flowers in graveyards,
churches and streets to guide the souls of
loved ones; while personal altars in homes
honoring ancestors may be constructed
displaying flowers, favorite possessions and
beloved foods of the deceased. Prayers are
typically offered, music may be played and
candles are often kept burning in a joyful
display of remembrance.
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Those who enjoy writing often create short poems, known as "calaveras" (skulls), written
as epitaphs for the living, detailing a friend's or family member's interesting habits, often
sharing funny details. This tradition began a century or two ago when a newspaper
published a poem describing a dream of a cemetery in the future. In the poem, everyone
was dead and the writing on tombstones was quite humorous. Today, newspapers
continue to write calaveras concerning public figures, typically illustrated with skeletons.
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The common symbol of the Day of the Dead is the
skull (calavera), which may be seen decorated and
worn as masks (calacas - "skeleton").
Even foods may be shaped into skulls, such as
chocolate candy with the name of the person written
upon it. Skulls of sugar are often given as gifts to
celebrants, as well as to unseen guests in spirit. Even
bread may be found sculpted into the shape of skulls
or skeletons.
Day of the Dead traditions and festivities often vary,
so different ways to honor the dead can be found from
town to town. One never knows what seemingly
macabre scene may be discovered.
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It's said that in some cities, children in costume may be seen roaming the streets and
knocking on people's doors. This tradition is very similar to Halloween's Trick or Treat
night custom, as often a small prize of candy or money may be collected.
Macabre dolls and other strange items may be carried around by those who celebrate the
Day of the Dead in the belief that such a custom might bring good luck. The Day of the
Dead celebration is really a time to remember all people, no matter which side of the
grave they are on. And if we think about it, such a festivity is a fun way to remember that
we do indeed have ghosts and spirits walking among us.
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Many believe that during the short window of the Day
of the Dead, it's easier for departed souls to visit the
living. During this peak time, people will often visit
cemeteries to communicate with departed loved
ones, making them feel welcome at home by building
private altars displaying items that honor their lives.
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Celebrants of the Day of the Dead purposely invite visitations by spirits so that they may hear the words and
actions directed toward them. Because focusing on death can be somewhat dark, Day of the Dead celebrations
often interject humor and fun. While remembering loved ones, participants in festivities will often remember
humorous, past scenarios involving the departed. Sometimes during Day of the Dead celebrating, people
become drunk while honoring their friends and relatives. Toys may be brought out to remember dead children,
while bottles of various types of alcoholic drinks may be placed on graves for adults who have passed on to enjoy.
Trinkets and candies may also be left on top of headstones.
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In homes, foods such as bread of the dead, candied pumpkin and sugar skulls
may be displayed to honor the dead. They are left out in homes to welcome
spirits and ghosts of loved ones. It is believed that spirits can enjoy the
spiritual essence of food and beverages. Typically, the same offerings are
also enjoyed by the living after the festivities. It's not uncommon for people to
even leave spirits places to sleep (after their long journey to visit friends and
family), complete with pillows and blankets. The Day of the Dead is truly a
celebration of oneness and love for those who are with us, yet remain unseen.
The Day of the Dead holiday is very important to Mexican heritage.
Celebrations of the Dead in Mexico can be traced back to the indigenous
peoples of the region, such as the Olmec, Zapotec, Mixtec, Aztec, and Mayan
cultures. Such rituals that celebrate spirit ancestors have been carried out by
these civilizations for maybe 2500–3000 years. But don't look at this holiday
as just an old, superstitious freak show; for we truly can take something away
from the Day of the Dead tradition. And that is, death may not be as
permanent as some would like to believe it to be...
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Above: Two examples of in-home altars
honoring loved ones during the day of the dead.
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Day of the Dead Copyright 2009 Angels & Ghosts, LLC
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