Día de Los Muertos
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a traditional Mexican holiday beginning on November 1st and ending on November 2nd. It is believed that during this time, the veil between the spirit world and our world drops, and lost loved ones can visit with their families. During this time, families build ofrendas for their loved ones' souls. These ofrendas may include photos of passed loved ones, significant items, candles, letters, food, and marigolds meant to guide the spirits home. Copal incense is also used to draw the spirits home. These ofrendas may additionally include items to represent the four elements of life: water, earth (food), fire, and wind (papel picado). Papel picado is a traditional, colorful tissue paper decoration used in many parts of Mexico. Some people celebrate at home, while others decorate and celebrate in cemeteries.
The origin of Día de los Muertos dates back thousands of years to an Aztec ritual, Miccaihuitl. This ritual honors the dead as well as the changing of the seasons. The Aztecs believed that when a person died, they traveled to Chicunamictlán, the land of the dead. Only after nine levels of challenges, a journey which lasted years, could a person reach Mictlán, the final resting place. In order to aid their loved ones on this journey, the Aztecs provided food, water, and tools, during the Miccaihuitl ceremony. The marigold, or cempasúchil in Aztec, was considered the flower of the dead. Along with its strong scent, its bright, vibrant colors of yellow and orange also represent the sun, a bright light helping guide the loved ones back home. This ceremony was later influenced by the Spanish All Souls Day during Spanish colonization and eventually became Día de los Muertos. During All Souls Day, Spanish families would bring wine and pan de ánimas (spirit bread) to their loved ones' graves, decorating them with flowers and candles to light their path home.
Today Día de los Muertos is a widely celebrated holiday and was recognized in 2008 as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. Over the years, skulls have become an important symbol of the holiday. Skull masks and sugar-molded skulls are common during celebrations. The La Calavera Catrina (elegant skull), a symbol of the holiday, began in the early 20th century when printmaker José Guadalupe Posada created the image, an etching of a female skeleton. This satirical figure portrays an indigenous woman covering up her features in french attire and makeup to make her features whiter. Today, this is one of the most famous symbols of the holiday. Pan de muerto, a sweet bread baked on Día de los Muertos, is another significant emblem of the holiday.
Día de Los Muertos is an important cultural holiday that can be celebrated and appreciated respectfully through learning its history and significance. We invite you to make your own oferendas at home and find ways to honor your departed loved ones. There is so much wisdom to gain from this beautiful holiday and its many traditions.
compiled by: Ava Lypps, modern folklore artisan goods guide.
Sources:
https://news.arizona.edu/story/understanding-history-and-traditions-d%C3%ADa-de-los-muertos
https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/day-of-the-dead
https://www.worldhistory.org/Mictlantecuhtli/
https://www.pbs.org/education/blog/beyond-sugar-skulls-the-history-and-culture-of-dia-de-los-muertos
https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-agenda-retail-muertos-20171030-story.html
https://www.history.com/news/day-dead-dia-de-muertos-origins
