Although it may be celebrated at roughly the same time, Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is not a Mexican version of Halloween.
The two annual events originated in different parts of the world, and they differ greatly in tone.
Halloween, or All Hallows Eve, has its roots in the ancient, pre-Christian Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated on the night of October 31. The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, believed that the dead returned to earth on Samhain. They burned bonfires and wore masks to ward off ghosts.
The theme of Dia de los Muertos is also death, but the point is to demonstrate love and respect for deceased family members. In towns and cities throughout Mexico, Central America, and parts of the United States, revelers paint their faces like skeletons, wear costumes, hold festivals and parades, and make offerings to lost loved ones.
At its core, the holiday is a reaffirmation of indigenous life. Dia de los Muertos originated several thousand years ago with the Aztec, Toltec, and other Nahua people, who considered mourning the dead disrespectful. For those pre-Hispanic cultures, death was a natural phase in the circle of life. The dead were still members of the community, kept alive in memory and spirit—and during Dias de los Muertos, they temporarily returned to Earth.
The two annual events originated in different parts of the world, and they differ greatly in tone.
Halloween, or All Hallows Eve, has its roots in the ancient, pre-Christian Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated on the night of October 31. The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, believed that the dead returned to earth on Samhain. They burned bonfires and wore masks to ward off ghosts.
The theme of Dia de los Muertos is also death, but the point is to demonstrate love and respect for deceased family members. In towns and cities throughout Mexico, Central America, and parts of the United States, revelers paint their faces like skeletons, wear costumes, hold festivals and parades, and make offerings to lost loved ones.
At its core, the holiday is a reaffirmation of indigenous life. Dia de los Muertos originated several thousand years ago with the Aztec, Toltec, and other Nahua people, who considered mourning the dead disrespectful. For those pre-Hispanic cultures, death was a natural phase in the circle of life. The dead were still members of the community, kept alive in memory and spirit—and during Dias de los Muertos, they temporarily returned to Earth.
Today’s celebration combines indigenous Aztec ritual with Catholicism, brought to the region by the Spanish conquistadores.
The holiday is actually spread over two days, November 1 and 2. November 1 is Dia de los Inocentes, honoring children who have died. Graves are decorated with white orchids and baby’s breath. November 2 is Dia del los Muertos, honoring adults, whose graves are decorated with bright orange marigolds.
The holiday is actually spread over two days, November 1 and 2. November 1 is Dia de los Inocentes, honoring children who have died. Graves are decorated with white orchids and baby’s breath. November 2 is Dia del los Muertos, honoring adults, whose graves are decorated with bright orange marigolds.
The centerpiece of the celebration is a temporary altar, or ofrenda, built in private homes and cemeteries. They altars aren’t for worship, they’re meant to welcome spirits back to the realm of the living, and provide them with what they need on their journey. That’s why you may see some unusual items, such as a washbowl and razor, or a pillow and blanket at the grave, in addition to photos and mementos.
Marigolds are scattered from altar to gravesite. With their strong scent and vibrant color, the petals make a path that leads the spirits from the cemetery to their families’ homes.
Marigolds are scattered from altar to gravesite. With their strong scent and vibrant color, the petals make a path that leads the spirits from the cemetery to their families’ homes.
You’ll often see images of Monarch butterflies at the site, because they are believed to hold the spirits of the departed. This belief stems from the fact that the first monarch arrive in Mexico, their winter migration destination, on November 1.
Often a statue of Xoloitzcuintli, a dog, are left to help guide the spirits back to heaven when the party’s over. Other offerings include pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and the deceased’s favorite foods, as well as toys for children, and alcohol.
Every ofrenda also include the four elements: water, wind, earth and fire. Water is left in a pitcher so the spirits can quench their thirst.
Every ofrenda also include the four elements: water, wind, earth and fire. Water is left in a pitcher so the spirits can quench their thirst.
Papel picado, or traditional paper banners, represent the wind. Earth is represented by food.
And candles are burned for fire. The smoke from copal incense, made from tree resin, transmits praise and prayers and purifies the area around the altar.
And candles are burned for fire. The smoke from copal incense, made from tree resin, transmits praise and prayers and purifies the area around the altar.
The most familiar symbol of Dias de los Muertos may be the calacas and calaveras (skeletons and skulls), which appear everywhere during the holiday: in candied sweets, as parade masks, as dolls.
Although their flesh may have disappeared their cultural associations have not. Skeletons representing firefighters may still ride in a fire truck, for instance, or a calaca of a vaquero (cowboy) may still ride a horse.
Often masks and other skeleton and skull decorations are only half-decorated. The artwork reminds us that every human being, no matter how beautiful or well-dressed, will eventually be exposed as nothing more than a skeleton and skull. The half-decorated calacas and calaveras recognize this duality.
During Day of the Dead celebrations, it’s not uncommon for friends and relatives to visit graveyards and spend the night. They’ll clean the graves, make offerings and have candlelight vigils.
Then the party begins, with food, music and storytelling. Nobody tells ghost stories though. Most of the tales are humorous remembrances of loved ones.
If this tradition seems rather macabre, you may be surprised by nt week's post. Turns out, graveside lounging used to be all the fashion in the United States. I’ll tell you why Americans picnicked in cemeteries next week.
Until then…Happy Samhain!
And a festive Dia de los Muertos!
Then the party begins, with food, music and storytelling. Nobody tells ghost stories though. Most of the tales are humorous remembrances of loved ones.
If this tradition seems rather macabre, you may be surprised by nt week's post. Turns out, graveside lounging used to be all the fashion in the United States. I’ll tell you why Americans picnicked in cemeteries next week.
Until then…Happy Samhain!
And a festive Dia de los Muertos!
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