Exploring the Traditions and Symbols of Mexico’s Day of the Dead
In my opinion, deeply rooted traditions of Mexican people or Latin culture is one of the most fascinating topics to talk about to this day. Particularly, the one I am going to be analyzing, celebration of The Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos). This truly breathtaking festival is a combination of fantasy, folklore, incredible decorations, spooky, mystical legends and even modern elements too. Differently than the rest of the world, Mexican people see this day as a celebration of life, rather than death. Even though Dia de Muertos is celebrated similarly all over Latin America, it originated in Mexico. Some people are mistaken and say that Dia de Muertos is just a Mexican version of Halloween. That is absolute false. Halloween is considered to be a dark night of terror, mischief and horror. Thus, Dia de Muertos is filled with color, life-affirming joy, happiness and respect for departed family members. As native people like to say: “One time a year, our departed come back to celebrate with us”. I, personally, find this perspective very comforting.
To be honest the first time I got to know, how Mexican people celebrate The Day of the Dead was on a family vacation to Spain. I was about 10 years old and got very bored in the car. Therefore, I noticed that my brother was watching this animated movie called “Coco”. I’m sure most of you know it. I remember being so interested, that I watched it almost 4 times later that year. Seeing all those vibrant colors, cozy surroundings, skull painted faces, amazing clothes, different family traditions, kindness and love for the departed members got me interested in diversity of cultures around the world. To this day it is my favorite children’s movie. Therefore, that is why I would like more people around the world explore and get to know Mexican traditions of this celebration.
Firstly, when is The Day of the Dead celebrated in Mexico?
The Day of the Dead in Mexico is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, just like in the rest of the world. However, these two days are divided in three categories:
Dia de los Angelitos (Day of the little angels)
Midnight of the November 1st. is dedicated for the spirits of children. It is the night, when spirits of all deceased children are believed to be reunited with their families for 24 hours. Departed children are the first to arrive, particularly, one day before the adults, because they’re quicker on their feet. Families construct an alter with the departed child’s favorite toys, candies, snacks, photos, also known as ofrenda, to encourage a visit from the spirit of departed child. Names of them are usually written on sugar sculls.
Día de los Difuntos (Day of the deceased)
As the time moves on, celebrations shift to honor the lives of departed adults. Midnight of the November 2nd. is dedicated for the spirits of the adults. This night neighborhoods are filled with laughter, joyful stories, happy memories and songs. Family members play games together, dance in the town hall, a lot like the night before, however this time ofrendas are constructed with more adult-like items: tequila, jars of Mexican atole (warm cornmeal drink),traditional pan de muerto, mezcal, cigars.
Día de los Muertos (Day of All the Dead)
Noon of the November 2nd. is the grand finale, dedicated for the spirits of All the Dead (Día de los Muertos). People from the entire city come together, dressed up, with their faces painted as skeletons (Calaveras), to attend a massive, marvelous parade. In addition, on the last day it is also common to visit cemeteries, decorate the graves of the beloved ones, leave sugar scull offerings, gifts and Marigold flowers.
Most important symbols/traditions of The Day of the Dead:
Altar with offerings (Ofrenda)
I’ve already mentioned what are ofrendas and what people put in them. However, let’s talk more about the idea of making these altars for the departed loved ones. Ofrendas are usually done at the cemetery right over where the deceased lay and at home as well. The main idea is to make them comfortable and welcomed during this short visit. After all, the purpose of The Day of the Dead is to honor family members who have passed, ask them for guidance by appealing to their good nature with offerings left at ofrendas.
Skull (Calavera)
Skulls are mandatory during the celebration of Dia de Muertos. People usually make them at home, from sugar or clay. Everyone leaves sugar skulls at the cemeteries and ofrendas, it is an incredibly important part of the altar. Therefore, Calavera is an ornately decorated representation of skull. They can be made with animal, flower drawings, various prints. On the night of the main parade everyone draws skulls on their faces too, often with a smile as to laugh at death itself.
Mexican Marigold (Flor de Muerto)
Day of the dead would not be nearly as fascinating without all the streets, townhalls, graveyards, altars, cemeteries even houses filled with marigold flowers. Marigolds are believed to be pathways that guide deceased spirits to their ofrendas. Petals are laid out as walkways to finding their way back to earth. Marigold’s vibrant colors and magical scent attracts departed souls. In Spanish marigold is called Flor de Muerto (Flower of Dead). During The Day of the Dead, marigolds symbolize inner beauty and fragility of life.
La Catrina
One of the strongest and most familiar symbols of Dia de Muertos celebrations is a tall female skeleton with remarkable, unique makeup and glamorous hat decorated with feathers. also known as La Catrina. The essence and meaning behind La Catrina is hidden in Aztec culture. She is the representation of the queen of the Aztec underworld of Mictlan. Natives believe that the Aztecs worshipped a goddess of death that they alleged protected their deceased loved ones, helping them into the next stages of afterlife. In fact, Mexican traditions of honoring and celebrating the dead is deeply encrypted in the culture of Aztecs.
Celebration of The Day of the Dead in Mexican culture, traditions, symbols, hidden meanings behind them are truly fascinating. In my opinion, this festival is one of the brightest, most captivating events of the year. What comforts me the most, is the philosophy and understanding, that death is just a natural stage of life. People spend this day to celebrate life and death, respect deceased souls, not mourn the departed family members.
Hope you enjoyed learning about Mexican culture and reading my insights. Here is a video that visualizes my article and shows how people celebrate Dia de Muertos.
