Day of the Dead: A Celebration honoring ancestral traditions

Day of the Dead, also known as Día de los Muertos in Mexico, is an ancient and revered tradition that dates back thousands of years.

In the United States, you may have come across the familiar symbols of this holiday: papel picado, vibrant paper adorned with intricate cutouts, calaveras, decorative skulls, and marigold flowers. The significance of this holiday is also prominently depicted in the popular movies "Coco" and the opening scene of "Spectre."

Day of the Dead, known as Día de los Muertos, is a commemoration that celebrates the afterlife, serving as a day devoted to acknowledging those who have passed away and preserving their memory. In contrast to Halloween, which traditionally focuses on protecting oneself from malevolent entities, this occasion primarily revolves around showing reverence for our departed loved ones. Here are additional details about this significant day.

When is Day of the Dead?

Day of the Dead always starts on November 1 and ends on November 2. During those days, it is believed that the spirits of the dead return home to spend time with their families.

Who celebrates Day of the Dead?

While Day of the Dead is commonly linked with Mexico, other countries, including those outside Latin America, also observe their own variations of the holiday. In the Philippines, the occasion is known as Undas, and it is commemorated on the initial two days of November as well. Similar to the Mexican tradition, Filipinos pay visits to the graves of their loved ones and construct altars dedicated to those who have departed.

In Haiti, the day is called Fèt Gede, festival of the dead. People dress up in white, black and purple, while parades are held across the country.

On November 1, 2017, in the Cemetery of Cite Soleil, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, a female devotee takes on the persona of a Gede spirit as part of the Day of the Dead ceremonies, paying homage to the Haitian voodoo spirit known as Baron Samdi and Gede. This captivating image was captured by Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images.

What are the origins of Day of the Dead?

Day of the Dead, originating from rituals performed by Indigenous communities in the Americas, particularly the Aztecs, involves a sacred practice called Miccaihuitl. This ritual serves as a dedicated time to pay tribute to the deceased.

But when the Spanish arrived in the Americas, they introduced Catholicism, which had its own observances: All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2), both of which also honor the deceased. The Spanish merged their own festivals with Indigenous customs, resulting in Día de los Muertos.

What are Day of the Dead traditions?

On the Day of the Dead, numerous individuals pay tribute to their deceased relatives and loved ones in a distinctive manner. Rather than grieving, they choose to respect their memory by tidying up gravesites and embellishing them with vibrant flowers. Some engage in prayer, while others fill the atmosphere with melodious music. The atmosphere almost mimics a joyous gathering, complete with lively music, appetizing food, and refreshing beverages. Folks gather together to commemorate their cherished ones by sharing anecdotes and anecdotes, thus ensuring their memory continues to flourish.

In Mexico, several cities also commemorate the day with lively parades and festive events. It is common for people to paint their faces to resemble a skeletal appearance and dress up in costumes. Women, in particular, often choose to emulate La Catrina, a tall female skeleton known for her elegant dress and extravagant hat placed elegantly atop her head.

The imagery associated with characters like La Catrina is actually rooted in the sketches of Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada, who originally drew it in 1910 as a satirical representation of the upper social classes in Mexico.

People gather in front of an altar to honor the victims of Mexico's September 19 earthquake, in the site of a collapsed building in Mexico City, on November 1, 2017.

Pedro Pardo/AFP/Getty Images

What are ofrendas?

One of the central and revered aspects of the Day of the Dead is the presence of altars known as ofrendas. These altars, constructed in private residences, educational institutions, and other public spaces, serve as a way to pay homage to the departed.

Within the ofrendas, family members place a large photograph of the deceased loved one at the pinnacle. Colorful papel picado, a type of intricately patterned paper, is also included, symbolizing the element of air. The vibrant hues of tissue paper are employed to represent the four elements that are traditionally portrayed in the altars. Accompanying these decorations are marigold petals, strategically positioned throughout the ofrendas, as their vivid colors and strong aroma serve as a guide for the spirits to find their way back home. Candles, serving the dual purpose of illuminating the pathway and representing the deceased, are a common sight on these altars. Pan de muerto, a traditional Mexican sweet bread rooted in Aztec customs, is often found as well. Additionally, sugar skulls, frequently placed on the ofrendas, serve as a symbolic nod to the constantly present concept of death.

Salt, typically arranged in the form of a cross, is positioned either on or near the ofrenda in order to cleanse the souls of the visiting spirits. In addition, families often include a vessel of water, and occasionally tequila, on the altars, allowing the souls to satisfy their thirst following their arduous voyage.

Nevertheless, these altars can possess a personal touch as well. Several families may choose to incorporate the departed's preferred cuisine or cherished mementos, such as a beloved tome or a treasured garment. All of these elements collectively function as a means of commemorating the deceased and paying homage to their homecoming.