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10 Facts About Day of the Dead

The Day of the Dead was first celebrated over three thousand years ago by mesoamerican citizens. The Aztecs believed that it was better to celebrate the dead rather than ‘insult’ them by grieving. The holiday is celebrated between October 31st and November 2nd, as they believe these dates present an opening between the mortal and spirit worlds. (PBS).

The Day of the Dead is celebrated in many ways, including visiting grave sites, and creating altars, or shrines for loved ones who have perished. It is also known for the food that is made specifically for the holiday. These festivities are known for big parades and colorful flowers, and the offerings that are made to honor the dead. This holiday is also called Dia De Los Muertos. (History.com).

Day of the Dead is also known as “Mexican Halloween”, although it does not include nearly as much mischief of morbidity the way Halloween does (My Modern Met). Calacas and calaveras, also known as skeletons and skulls are the most prominent symbols. La Calavera Catrina is an aztec goddess of the underworld and is believed to be the most recognizable icon of the holiday. She is also known as “Lady of the Dead” by the Aztecs.  (History.com)

Day of the Dead is made up by three days of celebration. The 31st is known to be the day of preparation for the day, and food and offerings are prepared (My Modern Met). The second day is meant to remember children that have passed away. The final day is meant to remember adults who have passed. (History.com)

The original Aztec celebration took place in August. Catholic Influences then changed the dates to October and November. This helped develop the holiday into what it is today. Pagan traditions also had a hand in developing the current holiday. (My Modern Met).

The “Offrenda” is a major part of the holiday, meaning “the offering”. An alter may be created to honor those who have died (History.com) These alters may incorporate candles, bright decorations, and food that the passed enjoyed while living. They also sometimes play music that the deceased enjoyed. (My Modern Met).

 Pan de Meurto, also known as “bread of the dead” is also a traditional part of the Day of the Dead. The roll is typically a sweet, orange treat. This can very often be found on the altars for those who have passed. (My Modern Met).Dia de los Muertos was added to the UNESCO’s List of SafeguardingIntangible Cultural Heritage in 2008, making sure that it would restored in history.

The UNSECO’s helps to promote  cultural diversity and protects the traditions of concerned communities all around the world. (History.com).The six most common items found on an altar are skulls, marigolds, perforated paper,  Pan de Muerto, salt, and photographs. Each has a symbolic meaning. For example, marigolds are known as the flower of the dead and the smell is thought to attract spirits. Salt is universally known to prevent the corruption of souls. (Nalewicki, Jennifer). 

Recently the commercialization of Day of the Dead in western society has been criticized as cultural appropriation. Disney released the hit movie “Coco” and Mattel released a Day of the Dead themed Barbie doll, being met with all kinds of responses(PBS). Some Mexicans hope to see increased Latinx visibility as a result while othersare disgusted by corporations profiting off of the holiday (Dobrin).

Resources:

Nalewicki, Jennifer. “The Meaning Behind Six Objects on Día De Los Muertos Altars: Dia De Los Muertos, Muertos, Mexican Holiday.” Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2019, www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/meaning-behind-six-objects-dia-de-los-muertos-altars-180973442/.

“Beyond Sugar Skulls: The History and Culture of Dia De Los Muertos.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 9 June 2020, www.pbs.org/education/blog/beyond-sugar-skulls-the-history-and-culture-of-dia-de-los-muertos.

“Day of the Dead.” History.com, Oct. 2019, www.history.com/.amp/topics/halloween/day-of-the-dead.

Day, Today is Art, et al. “Día De Los Muertos: How Mexico Celebrates Its Annual ‘Day of the Dead.’” My Modern Met, 12 Dec. 2019, mymodernmet.com/dia-de-los-muertos-day-of-the-dead/

Dobrin, Isabel. “Día De Los Muertos Comes To Life Across The Mexican Diaspora.” NPR, NPR, 2 Nov. 2017, www.npr.org/2017/11/02/561527322/mexicos-celebrated-d-a-de-los-muertos-evolves-in-the-u-s