History of Dia de los Muertos

I was at a Halloween Read In this past Friday, an event that I’ve supported for several years now, at a local elementary school in one of the more economically challenged areas of San Diego. In this bilingual classroom we had the opportunity to chat a little bit about Dia de los Muertos and I got to hear how some of the children celebrate the holiday with their families.

For a quick brush up, let me share with you a bit of the history of the holiday. I especially enjoy Dia de los Muertos because it gives us a chance to remember those that have gone before us, and honor their memories in a warm way. We recollect the items our loved ones enjoyed, a bit about their unique characters, and hopefully also express our gratitude at what they brought into our lives.

According to Wikipedia, Dia de los Muertos: is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and by Latin Americans living in the United States and Canada. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died.

The celebration occurs on November 1st and 2nd in connection with the Catholic holiday of All Saints’ Day which occurs on November 1st and All Souls’ Day which occurs on November 2nd. Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts.

The Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico can be traced back to the indigenous celebrations. Rituals celebrating the deaths of ancestors have been observed by these civilizations perhaps for as long as 3000 years.

The festival that became the modern Day of the Dead fell in the ninth month of the Aztec calendar, about the beginning of August, and was celebrated for an entire month. The festivities were dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl, known as the “Lady of the Dead,” corresponding to the modern Catrina.

In most regions of Mexico, November 1 honors children and infants, whereas deceased adults are honored on November 2. This is indicated by generally referring to November 1 mainly as “Día de los Inocentes” (Day of the Innocents) but also as “Día de los Angelitos” (Day of the Little Angels) and November 2 as “Día de los Muertos.”

Many people believe that during the Day of the Dead, it is easier for the souls of the departed to visit the living. People go to cemeteries to communicate with the souls of the departed, and build private altars, containing the favorite foods and beverages, as well as photos and memorabilia, of the departed. The intent is to encourage visits by the souls, so that the souls will hear the prayers and the comments of the living directed to them.

Celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed.

Plans for the day are made throughout the year. During the two-day period, families usually clean and decorate graves; most visit the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried and decorate their graves with ofrendas.

Who in your life has passed on that you remember fondly?Do you take time to re-connect with their memory, and honor the gifts they’ve given to you? Whatever ritual or practice you engage in, I hope that this time can be one of joyful celebration (even as we acknowledge the loss of no longer having them physically present).