The significance of the skull and skeletal figure is to honor the continuous nature of life, laughing joyfully at death and accepting it as part of our everyday existence.Īmong the most famous calaveras is la calavera catrina, often simply known as la catrina or “the elegant skull.” The famed “Lady of the Dead” image was created by a Mexican illustrator and lithographer named José Guadalupe Posada. Some calaveras have the names of deceased relatives scripted on their foreheads. You’ll find them everywhere, from edible sugar skulls to papier mâché creations decorating homes and altars. CalaverasĬalaveras, or skulls, are among the most prominent symbols of Día de los Muertos. Keep in mind that, due to their nature, these altars carry additional significance and deserve respect and care. One final note regarding these altars: parents who have lost children may make altars and offerings on October 31st or November 1st as part of el Día de los Angelitos(the day of little angels). Notice that it includes images of the honored family members, along with flowers, incense, calaveras, pan de muerto, and some favorite foods and items of clothing of the deceased. When finished, ofrendas paint a picture of the deceased family members and what they enjoyed when they walked the Earth.Ībove, you can see an example of an ofrenda one family made to honor deceased loved ones for Día de Muertos. Personal effects, such as toys that belonged to deceased children or wedding rings from adults.The four elements of nature - earth, wind, water, and fire - in various forms but often includes a clay cazuela or cooking pot (earth) and candles (fire).Religious imagery, such as a crucifix or an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe.Copal, or traditional incense (dating to pre-Columbian religious ceremonies in Mexico).They welcome returning family members after their long journey from the other side. When preparing an altar, some people include departed family members’ favorite foods and photos of them as they existed in life. Often, families gather to light candles after the makeshift altars are completed at their loved ones’ graves or in their homes. These public altars are often elaborate, detailed, colorful, and painstakingly crafted by families seeking to honor their deceased loved ones. The ofrenda also symbolically makes the deceased feel comfortable when visiting the living.įamilies construct these altars inside homes, at grave sites in local cemeteries, and in public places and museums across Mexico and the U.S. One of the most important elements of Día de los Muertos is a traditional altar, or ofrenda, to honor those who have gone before. Let’s take a look at some of the ways Mexicans celebrate this traditional day. Common Día de los Muertos traditionsĭay of the Dead celebrations include a variety of traditions, some of which have become synonymous with Mexican culture outside of Mexico. The first is All Saints Day, the date on the Catholic calendar when people pray for all the saints who have departed, and the second is All Souls Day, a time to say prayers for departed loved ones. The idea of Día de los Muertos is to encourage visits from lost loved ones to share food, drink, and celebrations.Īs previously mentioned, the modern Day of the Dead celebration also incorporates elements of two holidays from Catholicism. Traditional belief holds that during Dia de los Muertos festivities, the deceased can awaken from their eternal sleep in the spirit world and enjoy a brief reunion with their families. At its heart, it acknowledges death as a natural part of the human experience. When the Spanish invaded and forced conversion to Catholicism, those religious beliefs mingled with indigenous practices to form the basis of the modern holiday.ĭía de los Muertos is foremost a day of joy, not mourning. Like many aspects of Mexican heritage and culture, it combines colonial traditions and the beliefs of the indigenous people who first lived in the country.ĭay of the Dead celebrations originated in southern Mexico more than 3,000 years ago with the Mesoamericans who lived in what is now Mexico and Central America. About Remitly A brief history of Día de los Muertosĭía de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, began from the European Catholic traditions of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day and from Aztec rituals that honored the deceased.
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