A profoundly ingrained Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, joyfully commemorates the lives and memories of departed loved ones. Every year, on November 2, families from all around Mexico and beyond gather to honor and commemorate the lives of friends and family who have passed away. This unusual custom transforms mourning into a celebration, as it is believed that the spirits of the deceased visit the living during this special time, bridging the gap between life and death.
Contents
- 1 Dia de los Muertos’s History: A Combination of Spanish and Indigenous Influences
- 2 Prepare for Dia de los Muertos with offerings, marigolds, and Catrina
- 3 The meaning and symbolism of La Catrina
- 4 Dia de los Muertos in Contemporary Society and Other Fields
- 5 The Essence of Dia de los Muertos: Honoring Life Through Remembrance
Dia de los Muertos’s History: A Combination of Spanish and Indigenous Influences
The origins of Dia de los Muertos lie in pre-Hispanic indigenous customs, where Mesoamerican societies like the Aztecs celebrated death as a normal aspect of life. Spanish settlers combined these ancient beliefs with Catholic traditions in the 16th century to create the event we know and celebrate today. In contrast to Halloween, Dia de los Muertos is a day of pleasure, warmth, and memory rather than horror.
Prepare for Dia de los Muertos with offerings, marigolds, and Catrina
A woman dressed as the famous skeleton figure La Catrina poses amidst fields of vibrant Cempazuchitl, or Mexican marigolds (Tagetes erecta), at Rancho San Juan Diego in Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Jalisco State, Mexico, on October 25. It is an incredibly beautiful scene. Marigolds, also known as the “flowers of the dead,” are believed to aid souls in their return to the world of the living due to their potent scent and vivid orange colour.
The construction of altars, or ofrendas, is one of the most important aspects of Dia de los Muertos. Families erect these altars in homes and cemeteries, decorating them with pictures, candles, sentimental items, sugar skulls, and the deceased’s favourite meals and beverages. Each of these objects has a symbolic function, providing solace and direction to the souls as they go to join loved ones in celebrating.
The meaning and symbolism of La Catrina
A skeletal figure sometimes portrayed in exquisite clothing, La Catrina has grown to be a potent representation of Dia de los Muertos. Mexican painter José Guadalupe Posada originally intended La Catrina as a satirical depiction of the upper class in the early 20th century, but it has since grown to become a cherished holiday classic. In addition to being a form of artistic expression, some dress up as Catrina and paint their faces as calaveras, or skulls, as a way to grin while facing death.
Dia de los Muertos in Contemporary Society and Other Fields
In recent years, the distinctive customs and vitality of Dia de los Muertos have spread worldwide, leading to celebrations in various locations. The festival has gained more recognition as a result of this cultural expansion, with movies like Disney’s Coco effectively conveying its spirit to viewers throughout the world. Today, Dia de los Muertos is observed in countries like the US, where Mexican-American communities organize parades, make ofrendas, and spread awareness about the value of remembering.
The Essence of Dia de los Muertos: Honoring Life Through Remembrance
Dia de los Muertos is fundamentally a celebration of life. Families maintain the memory of departed loved ones and reestablish a connection with their history by remembering them. The custom reminds us of the value of family, solidarity, and cultural pride by teaching that death is not a conclusion but rather a continuation in spirit.
The meaning of Dia de los Muertos is universal: It is a time to honor, cherish, and remember loved ones who are no longer physically present but are always in our hearts. To those who are not familiar with the event, it may appear strange.