Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead

What could the phrase “Day of the Dead” possibly mean? Does this seem familiar, or can its meaning be guessed by the name itself?

If you’re thinking it means something pertaining to a day of mourning, then you’re on the opposite side of the spectrum. Even though its name might suggest that but, that is not entirely true because it is an occasion of joy and happiness. Here is a brief detail of what this is and why it is important.

Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that is celebrated traditionally on the 1st and 2nd of November. This is an occasion of happiness where family and friends gather together and collectively pray for their relatives and loved ones who have passed away. In this way, this becomes a felicitation of life and death. The idea behind this celebration is that during this time, they believe that the deceased souls come back to meet their families. Therefore, to make their visits more pleasant then, the families make the favorite food of the deceased person. Traditional foods such as pan de muerto(bread of the dead), sugar skulls, favorite dishes of the departed, fruits, and beverages are placed on the altars as offerings. Similarly, cemeteries are beautified with flowers and photographs. Candles are lit both in the household and cemeteries. These are seen as ways of celebrating the presence and return of the deceased. Extended families stay together for these festivities, and together, they take part in cooking and decorating. They visit the gravesites of their loved ones and pray for them.

But how did it begin as a ritual?

It is believed that this can be traced back to the pre-Columbian indigenous cultures, especially to the Aztec civilization. It is said that they had a very complex and rich comprehension of the concept of death and the afterlife. This had thus affected their particular rituals and values regarding their deceased loved ones. Once Spanish colonizers took control of this region, it became a part of the catholic culture as well. Over time, it has evolved and, thus, gotten its current position.

Even though this holiday has basically its roots in Mexico, it has spread to other parts of the world as well, and today, it is mostly celebrated in memory of loved ones. It is even an official holiday in Mexico and is seen as a way of embracing Mexico’s cultural heritage.