Mexico a traditional approach to death
In Mexico families usually organize a wake before the funeral. This wake typically lasts two to three days, during which family and close friends of the deceased gather to pray and share memories of the departed.
After the funeral, the family and guests share a meal together. It is customary for each participant to bring food to share with others or to offer a monetary contribution to the bereaved family to help cover funeral expenses.
Following the funeral, prayers are recited for the next nine days to help guide the soul of the deceased to Heaven. This practice, known as novena, is common not only in Mexico but throughout Latin America.
For Mexicans, it is essential to keep the memory of the departed alive. Each family often maintains an altar at home with photos and personal items of their deceased relatives.
Annually, two special days are dedicated to celebrating the deceased. Dia de los Muertos, held on November 1st and 2nd, sees families lighting candles on the altar, placing flowers, praying, and visiting the graves of their loved ones.
Dia de los Muertos
Historical Roots
Dia de los Muertos has its origins in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures, particularly the Aztecs, who held rituals celebrating the deaths of their ancestors. These rituals were later infused with Catholic practices brought by Spanish colonizers, resulting in a syncretic holiday that spans two days: November 1st, known as Dia de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents) or Dia de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels), honoring deceased children, and November 2nd, Dia de los Muertos, which commemorates adults.
Altars and Offerings
At the heart of Dia de los Muertos are the ofrendas, or altars, set up in homes and cemeteries. These altars are decorated with marigolds (cempasúchil), candles, photographs, and personal items of the deceased. Families also place offerings of food and drink, such as pan de muerto (a special sweet bread), sugar skulls, and the favorite dishes of the departed. The vibrant colors and rich symbolism of the altars are believed to guide the spirits back to the realm of the living for a brief reunion.
Symbolic Elements
- Marigolds (Cempasúchil): Known as the "flower of the dead," marigolds are believed to attract the souls of the deceased with their bright colors and strong scent.
- Sugar Skulls (Calaveras): These ornate skulls, often decorated with icing, represent the deceased and are a reminder of the sweetness of life.
- Pan de Muerto: This traditional bread is often shaped like a bun and topped with bone-shaped decorations, symbolizing the circle of life and death.
- Papel Picado: These colorful paper cutouts depict various designs and are used to decorate altars and public spaces, representing the fragility of life.
Celebrations and Rituals
During Dia de los Muertos, families gather at cemeteries to clean and decorate graves, often spending the night in celebration. Music, dancing, and storytelling are common, creating an atmosphere of festivity rather than mourning. Public squares and streets are also adorned with decorations, parades, and public altars, bringing communities together in a shared act of remembrance.
In some regions, people paint their faces to resemble calaveras, embracing a festive yet macabre aesthetic that highlights the holiday’s themes of death and rebirth. Traditional dances, such as the Danza de los Viejitos (Dance of the Little Old Men), and performances of La Catrina, a skeletal figure dressed in elegant attire, further enrich the celebrations.
Global Influence
While Dia de los Muertos is deeply rooted in Mexican culture, its popularity has spread globally, with celebrations held in various countries. In the United States, for example, cities with large Mexican-American communities, such as Los Angeles and San Antonio, host elaborate festivities that attract participants from diverse backgrounds.
The holiday has also been embraced by popular culture, notably depicted in films like Pixar’s "Coco" and James Bond's "Spectre," which have introduced its vibrant imagery and heartfelt message to a wider audience.
A Celebration of Memory
Dia de los Muertos serves as a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of life and death. It encourages the living to remember and celebrate the lives of those who have passed, fostering a sense of connection and continuity across generations. Through its rich traditions and joyous celebrations, Dia de los Muertos transforms the sorrow of loss into a celebration of life, ensuring that the spirits of the departed remain an integral part of the living world.
In essence, Dia de los Muertos is not just a day of remembrance, but a vibrant affirmation of life, love, and the enduring power of memory.