By Glenda Mauro, Fernanda Mauro
“Día de Muertos”, or also known as “Day of the Dead”, is a tradition that originated in the Mesoamerican region, and is still celebrated in countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, and Bolivia, spanning several centuries. This celebration unfolds from October 27 to November 2, dedicated to those who had departed from the world. It originated in pre-Hispanic times, before the Spanish conquered the region of Mesoamerica, when the Totonac, Mexica, Mayan and Purépecha cultures paid homage to death. Death guided the souls to the “Place of the Dead”, known in Nahuatl as “Mictlan”, where they would encounter the god and goddess of the dead, Mictlantecuhtli and Mictecacihuatl. Upon reaching the gods, an offering had to be made in order to achieve eternal rest after traversing various challenges on the journey to the world of the dead.
Nowadays, “Día de Muertos” is distinguishable by a range of activities that it entails. Families traditionally adorn the graves of their loved ones with diverse flowers and candles, the most notable being the “cempasúchil” flower, symbolizing the connection between life and death. It is worth noting that in pre-Hispanic beliefs, these flowers had the ability to store the sun’s warmth and rays in their corollas, illuminating the return path for the deceased to return. In certain regions, dances are organized in which people paint their faces with makeup and vibrantly colored sequins. This bright face paint serves to confront death positively, remembering and honoring the departed with joy and respect. Women wear colorful, regional dresses, incorporating skirts in colors such as yellow, orange, and black; other colors are used, but those are the most common. In addition, flowers are also used in the hair as decoration. Men wear traditional clothing and hats, often in colors such as white, black, and yellow. These dances unfold in public meetings featuring music, dance, and the presence of “literary skulls.” The literary skulls, humorous poems, make fun of the living ones, offering a glimpse on how people imagine and relate to death, filled with irony, respect, and affection.
Perhaps the most widely recognized tradition is the “ofrenda”, or altar, a sacred ritual that represents a devotion to the deceased, with whom it is intended to share food and drinks to create “dialogue” with their memory and with their life. The ofrenda seeks to share natural elements like fruits, flowers and food while enticing the souls of the deceased through the delightful scents of copal and cempasúchil flowers. The Day of the Dead altar is intended to honor loved ones who have passed away, inviting them to remember as though they were still with us. Each item on the altar carries a symbolic meaning.
Photographs of the departed that you wish to honor and remember, placed either at the center or atop the offering, are a crucial part of the ofrenda, helping spirits recognize and reconnect with their loved ones. Salt and water hold their places as vital offerings. Salt symbolizes purity, usually placed so that the body does not become corrupted during its journey to the world of the dead, while water serves as a source of refreshment thirst after the voyage. Chocolate and sugar skulls hold significance, too, historically related to ancient pre-Hispanic traditions that involved using the skulls of sacrificed prisoners to honor the gods on the altar. They are also placed as a representation of the Holy Trinity. Candles within the ofrenda represent faith and hope. The flame serves as a guide so that the souls of loved ones can reach their families to enjoy the delicacies and ornaments placed in the offering. Multiple candles are often included, representing each departed loved one. Fruits, typical dishes, and bread are placed in abundance, anticipating the exhausting journey of our loved ones with ample food. The “Pan de Muerto,” or “Bread of the Dead,” alludes to the human sacrifices that were made in pre-Hispanic culture to worship the gods, which is why the bread has small “bones” on the top. The favorite dishes of those who had parted are often placed in the ofrenda. The altar is embellished with “Papel Picado”, which is basically chopped paper. Papel picado is a traditional handmade decoration from Mexico. It consists of openwork paper flags with complex drawings. It is characterized by the high density of the holes left in the paper, which are what form the figures that can be seen when the paper is spread. Papel picado is usually placed as an allusion to the wind, but it also adds a festive touch to the altar space, giving a heartfelt greeting to the souls of our loved one in the altar. Flowers are also placed as decoration and delight for the souls of those who visit us, including wallflowers and cloud flowers, both of which are white, symbolizing purity. But the most representative, without a doubt, is the Cempasúchil flower, whose leaves are removed to illuminate the souls’ path. Likewise, copal and incense are placed to keep negative spirits at bay, purifying the space for the souls.
The ofrenda encompasses numerous details, including the specific day on which it is arranged, with different days allocated based on the cause of the death. The process begins on October 27 with a candle and a little water on the floor where the altar will be as incense or copal is lit. This offering is intended for the souls of pets and animals. On October 28, another candle, a glass of water, salt, cempasuchil flowers and white flowers are being added, honoring the souls of people who lost their lives in accidents. October 29 is dedicated to the souls of individuals in anguish, while October 30th commemorates the forgotten souls. The offering on October 31 honors the souls of children and young people, and finally, on November 1, the offering is placed for all adults and those who passed away due to natural causes. This elaborate ritual embodies a rich tapestry of beliefs, traditions, and respect for the departed that make “Día de Muertos” a cherished and meaningful celebration.
