In Mexico, however, today and tomorrow, November 2, are holidays. There are no classes in school tomorrow, and there are customs and rituals that are followed these two days. Yahoo happened to link to an article today about the Day of the Dead. So, I thought I would post it here. This article can be found at the following link:
http://mujerdehoy.telemundo.yahoo.com/articulos/casayjardin/65/everythin
Enjoy the read!!
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Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know about the Day of the Dead...
...but Have Been too Afraid to Ask
By: Stephanie Ozaeta
Traditionally, Latinos are notoriously famous for being very involved with their close-knit families. It should come as no surprise then that in Mexico and several places throughout Latin America there is a special holiday set aside to honor the memories of the loved ones that have passed on.
The Day of the Dead. Hearing the name of this traditional Mexican holiday for the first time can cause chills to creep up anyone's spine. Upon closer examination of its origins and traditions, realization sinks in that it's actually quite a beautiful concept and only slightly creepy.
Why is it the Day of the Dead?
El día de los muertos is a time when families get together to honor the memories of the loved ones that are no longer with them. Rituals honoring the deaths of ancestors have been observed in civilizations around the globe since pre-Colombian times. Many cultures believe that death is a special occasion as a person's soul is passing into the afterlife. This is a happy time for some as they believe that their loved ones are moving on to a better place.
The Day of the Dead Isn't Really Just One Day
Traditionally, El día de los muertos is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November. Why these dates? They were chosen so that this pagan celebration could coincide with the Catholic holidays that fall on those days, All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Children are usually honored on November 1st, with grownups being honored on the 2nd. The holiday is celebrated in different ways throughout Mexico, so in some communities, the festivities begin as early as October 28th and last until November 3rd.
Symbols and offerings
The festivities of the Day of the Dead are planned throughout the year. Families gather goods to give in offering to their loved ones during the celebration. These ofrendas are taken to the cemetery and placed on the graves along with flowers and other decorations. The orange marigold flower is the most commonly-used symbol for this day. These flowers are thought to attract the souls of the dead to the offerings, causing them to be commonly known as Flor de Muerto, or "Flower of the Dead."
Traditionally, toys are brought to the cemeteries as offerings to deceased children. Bottles of Tequila, Mezcal and Pulque, traditional Mexican liquors, are common offerings left on the graves of adults. Pillows and blankets are also traditionally left out so that the spirits can rest their weary heads from their long journey.
Food offerings and altars
The cemetery isn't the only place where offerings are left. Most homes also erect altars where relatives can leave food offerings like sugar skulls, candied pumpkins and pan de muerto, a special seasonal bread. Why food offerings? Many believe that the spirits of the dead nourish themselves with the essence of the foods they receive as offerings. While the celebrators consume the food once the festivities are done, they believe that their loved ones have already taken all its sustenance, leaving the food devoid of nutritional value.
Getting back to the altars, they are commonly decorated with a cross and a statue or picture of the Virgin Mary to tie the celebration into the Catholic faith. Pictures of the deceased are other common decorations on an altar as well as a myriad of candles. Many families gather at the altar during the celebration to pray and share fond memories they have of their loved ones. Government entities and public schools throughout Mexico set up small altars in their facilities as well because El día de los muertos is one of the most culturally-significant holidays on the Mexican calendar.
Calaveritas
Another common tradition associated with the Day of the Dead is the creation of Calaveritas. People throughout Mexico show off their writing skills and create short poems commemorating their deceased loved ones. These poems are mock epitaphs that honor their memories and actions. National newspapers and magazines create their own calaveritas as well as cartoons making light of political figures.
So now that you've learned a bit more on the Day of the Dead, what are your thoughts on this holiday?
...but Have Been too Afraid to Ask
By: Stephanie Ozaeta
Traditionally, Latinos are notoriously famous for being very involved with their close-knit families. It should come as no surprise then that in Mexico and several places throughout Latin America there is a special holiday set aside to honor the memories of the loved ones that have passed on.
The Day of the Dead. Hearing the name of this traditional Mexican holiday for the first time can cause chills to creep up anyone's spine. Upon closer examination of its origins and traditions, realization sinks in that it's actually quite a beautiful concept and only slightly creepy.
Why is it the Day of the Dead?
El día de los muertos is a time when families get together to honor the memories of the loved ones that are no longer with them. Rituals honoring the deaths of ancestors have been observed in civilizations around the globe since pre-Colombian times. Many cultures believe that death is a special occasion as a person's soul is passing into the afterlife. This is a happy time for some as they believe that their loved ones are moving on to a better place.
The Day of the Dead Isn't Really Just One Day
Traditionally, El día de los muertos is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November. Why these dates? They were chosen so that this pagan celebration could coincide with the Catholic holidays that fall on those days, All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Children are usually honored on November 1st, with grownups being honored on the 2nd. The holiday is celebrated in different ways throughout Mexico, so in some communities, the festivities begin as early as October 28th and last until November 3rd.
Symbols and offerings
The festivities of the Day of the Dead are planned throughout the year. Families gather goods to give in offering to their loved ones during the celebration. These ofrendas are taken to the cemetery and placed on the graves along with flowers and other decorations. The orange marigold flower is the most commonly-used symbol for this day. These flowers are thought to attract the souls of the dead to the offerings, causing them to be commonly known as Flor de Muerto, or "Flower of the Dead."
Traditionally, toys are brought to the cemeteries as offerings to deceased children. Bottles of Tequila, Mezcal and Pulque, traditional Mexican liquors, are common offerings left on the graves of adults. Pillows and blankets are also traditionally left out so that the spirits can rest their weary heads from their long journey.
Food offerings and altars
The cemetery isn't the only place where offerings are left. Most homes also erect altars where relatives can leave food offerings like sugar skulls, candied pumpkins and pan de muerto, a special seasonal bread. Why food offerings? Many believe that the spirits of the dead nourish themselves with the essence of the foods they receive as offerings. While the celebrators consume the food once the festivities are done, they believe that their loved ones have already taken all its sustenance, leaving the food devoid of nutritional value.
Getting back to the altars, they are commonly decorated with a cross and a statue or picture of the Virgin Mary to tie the celebration into the Catholic faith. Pictures of the deceased are other common decorations on an altar as well as a myriad of candles. Many families gather at the altar during the celebration to pray and share fond memories they have of their loved ones. Government entities and public schools throughout Mexico set up small altars in their facilities as well because El día de los muertos is one of the most culturally-significant holidays on the Mexican calendar.
Calaveritas
Another common tradition associated with the Day of the Dead is the creation of Calaveritas. People throughout Mexico show off their writing skills and create short poems commemorating their deceased loved ones. These poems are mock epitaphs that honor their memories and actions. National newspapers and magazines create their own calaveritas as well as cartoons making light of political figures.
So now that you've learned a bit more on the Day of the Dead, what are your thoughts on this holiday?
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