It may sound gloomy, but rest assured, the Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), is anything but somber. In fact, it’s more vibrant and festive than one might think! This beautiful celebration has its roots in the indigenous traditions of Mexico, where the deceased are joyfully welcomed back into the lives of their families. Scholars suggest that Día de los Muertos is connected to an ancient Aztec festival dedicated to Mictecacihuatl, the goddess of the underworld. As the queen of Mictlan, she ruled over the afterlife, which, interestingly, was viewed by the Aztecs not as a gloomy place but rather as a serene resting spot. Souls were believed to linger in Mictlan until it was time to return home and reunite with their loved ones. To encourage these visits, families create altars, offer food, and celebrate in a way that honors their ancestors. Thus, Día de los Muertos is a time of great joy, remembrance, and connection, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Mexico.
Día de Los Muertos
Three thousand years ago, this celebration took place during the 9th month of the Aztec calendar, which corresponds roughly to modern-day August. It was a grand occasion, with festivities lasting an entire month, in contrast to the two days it has been condensed to today. The celebration has also shifted from August to the beginning of November, a change reflective of the transition from ancient traditions to newer ones. In present-day Mexico, Roman Catholicism predominates, with approximately 82.7% of the population identifying as Catholic. Interestingly, there are several holidays that bear a resemblance to the Day of the Dead, such as All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, which are observed on the 1st and 2nd of November, respectively. While these Christian observances are indeed times for remembering and honoring those who have passed, they cannot fully capture the depth and richness of the Day of the Dead celebrations.
Holiday Preparations
People typically begin preparing for the holiday weeks in advance by harvesting small cempazuchitl, which are yellow Mexican marigolds. These golden flowers are known as the flower of the dead. The flowers are used to decorate altars and graves to attract souls to the offerings left at the altars. The offerings people choose to leave vary greatly, not only by home, but also by day. November 1st is recognized as Día de Los Angelitos, or Day of the Little Angels, which honors children and infants. For these souls, toys, trinkets, and favorite meals typically adorn altars and small shrines. November 2nd is the Day of the Dead when adults who have passed are honored. Instead of toys, bottles of tequila, mezcal, or pulque, candied pumpkin, and special bread are left on altars.
Day of The Dead Traditions
Other traditions differ vastly by town. Some areas traditionally dance with colorful costumes complete with a skull mask at the plaza, or garden in the center of town. Some family members adorn their faces with sugar skulls make-up. Each person's make-up is unique and pays homage to the loved ones they have lost.
In the beautiful town of Pátzcuaro, people light candles at midnight and ride in winged boats called mariposas (butterflies) to an island in the middle of a nearby lake that is home to a large cemetery. In other places, families leave out pillows and sleeping bags so that the souls of the dead have a place to rest after their long journeys.
Sadly, many of today’s larger Mexican cities have strayed from tradition. Children dress in costumes and knock on doors for treats and money – a recent custom derived from America’s Halloween. This is a far cry from the true purpose of the Day of the Dead: to reflect on those passed and celebrate the gift of life.
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