Embedded Files
What is The Day of the Dead (Spanish: "Dia de los Muertos")?
What is The Day of the Dead (Spanish: "Dia de los Muertos")?
It is a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, and by people of Mexican heritage elsewhere in the world. It focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember family members, friends and beloved pets who have already died. It is on the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO since 2008. In the United States, celebrations begin on November 1 and end on November 2.
It is a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, and by people of Mexican heritage elsewhere in the world. It focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember family members, friends and beloved pets who have already died. It is on the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO since 2008. In the United States, celebrations begin on November 1 and end on November 2.
It is customary to go to the cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of the deceased. Family members also make "ofrendas" or altars containing the favorite foods (e.g. tamales, "pan de muerto", sugar skulls), and beverages (e.g. atole, champurrado, hibiscus tea or "agua de jamaica"), of the departed and decorate them with cempasúchil (orange Mexican marigolds) also known as "Flor de Muerto" or Flower of the Dead. According to Mexican legends, these flowers attract the souls of the dead to the altars.
It is customary to go to the cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of the deceased. Family members also make "ofrendas" or altars containing the favorite foods (e.g. tamales, "pan de muerto", sugar skulls), and beverages (e.g. atole, champurrado, hibiscus tea or "agua de jamaica"), of the departed and decorate them with cempasúchil (orange Mexican marigolds) also known as "Flor de Muerto" or Flower of the Dead. According to Mexican legends, these flowers attract the souls of the dead to the altars.
ORIGINS
ORIGINS
According to historians, The Day of the Dead take its roots from ancient pre-Columbian cultures. The Aztec had rituals honoring their dead during the ninth month of their calendar (August), and was celebrated for a full month. The festivities were dedicated to their deity known as the "Lady of the Dead", nowadays called "La Catrina."
According to historians, The Day of the Dead take its roots from ancient pre-Columbian cultures. The Aztec had rituals honoring their dead during the ninth month of their calendar (August), and was celebrated for a full month. The festivities were dedicated to their deity known as the "Lady of the Dead", nowadays called "La Catrina."
'Ofrenda' commemorating a deceased gentleman in Milpa Alta, México DF . Image Credits: Eneas de Troya
A TRADITIONAL ALTAR or OFRENDA
A TRADITIONAL ALTAR or OFRENDA
"Ofrenda" means "offering" in English. People place a collection of objects, including food, beverages, flowers, "papel picado'", and pictures to honor the diseased. Some of these altars can be very elaborate.
"Ofrenda" means "offering" in English. People place a collection of objects, including food, beverages, flowers, "papel picado'", and pictures to honor the diseased. Some of these altars can be very elaborate.
Cempasúchil
Cempasúchil
Mexican marigolds are also known as "Flores de Muertos." According to a Mexican legend, these flowers attract the souls of the dead to the altars.
Mexican marigolds are also known as "Flores de Muertos." According to a Mexican legend, these flowers attract the souls of the dead to the altars.
SUGAR SKULLS
SUGAR SKULLS
Sugar skulls are made of a granulated sugar mixture and are decorated with colorful icing.
Sugar skulls are made of a granulated sugar mixture and are decorated with colorful icing.
PAN DE MUERTO
PAN DE MUERTO
Sweet rolls shaped like a bun, often decorated with bone-shaped pieces and topped with granulated sugar.
Sweet rolls shaped like a bun, often decorated with bone-shaped pieces and topped with granulated sugar.
Google Sites
Report abuse