Despite its rather morbid name and close proximity to Halloween, the Latin American holiday known as Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is all about remembering loved ones, not glorifying deathly spirits.
The History
Celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, the holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember loved ones who have passed away. The celebration takes place in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2). Scholars trace the origins of Dia de los Muertos back to indigenous observances in Mexican Aztec culture several hundred years ago. In modern Mexico, the celebration has attained the status as a national holiday.
The Traditions
Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls and marigolds. Also added to the altars are the favorite foods and beverages of the departed as well as photos and mementos. Family and friends then visit the grave site of loved one bearing these gifts. They spend time at cemeteries to “be with the souls” of loved ones who are no longer with them. But these ceremonies are by no means somber occasions. They are full-of-life gatherings of family and friends and often center around sharing funny stories and memories about the loved ones being honored.
To me—no matter whether you’re Latin, European, Asian, American, all of the above or none of the above—taking time out to cherish the life (and honor the death) of someone dear to you is a special and wonderful thing.
Warmly,
Lilo
How does your family honor the memory of loved ones who have passed away? We'd love to hear about it—here on our blog or on our Facebook page.
What a wonderful reminder, and cool celebration - thanks!
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