Dia de los Muertos–Day of the Dead

Hello, Kids, and All Readers,

I consider myself lucky to live in Southern California, where Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is celebrated every November 1 and 2. The first day honors deceased children; the second day, deceased adults.

It is a fiesta that can trace its roots to Mesoamerica, specifically to the Aztecs. Their ancient tradition of honoring deceased loved ones by welcoming their spirits back to Earth temporarily has been carried forward by many Latin-American countries and their Indigenous peoples. It is estimated that ninety-one per cent of all Mexicans celebrate it! Traditions can include family gatherings, processions to cemeteries to clean and decorate graves, prayers, sharing photos and fond memories of lost loved ones, building memorial ofrendas, or altars with mementos and food offerings, to the deceased, escorting their souls home for a visit, ritual food preparation, festive meals, music, and dancing. Food includes tamales and dishes favored by the deceased, Mexican hot chocolate, and orange- and cinnamon-spiced bread called Pane de Muertos with Aztec symbolism.

Another tradition is public parading while wearing skull masks or face paint to resemble skulls. It is believed that the masks and images hark to Mictecacihuatl, a skull-faced Aztec goddess, who guards the dead. Calaveras, or skulls that represent the deceased, take form in costumes for all, and toys and sugar or chocolate candies for the kids. La Catrina, a female skeleton wearing an elaborate floral hat, was created by the artist Jose Posada in the late nineteenth century, and has become synonymous with Dia de los Muertos.

According to the publication 1440, “Some historians assert that when European colonizers attempted to wipe out Indigenous religious traditions, Mictecacihuatl’s festival merged with Catholicism to become the modern Day of the Dead. Other scholars suggest the exact opposite—that in the early 20th century, the indigenismo movement, which aligned Mexican identity with their Indigenous ancestors rather than Spanish colonizers, wanted to encourage national pride by retrofitting All Saints Day, a Catholic [November 1] holiday, to include variations of Aztec traditions.” But never conflate Dia de los Muertos with Halloween! Do you know why?

One of my most memorable visits to Old Town, where my hometown of San Diego was founded in 1769, was to view the ofrendas erected to honor local deceased residents. The love for those lost was palpable–and joyful–with photos, mementos, marigold flowers, and food displays. It is believed that marigolds help the souls find their way home.

So, get a clue, Readers. Dia de los Muertos can be a happy and sad occasion. I so appreciate and respect how loved ones gather to embrace those still grieving, helping them sense the souls of the departed nearby, sharing fond memories, and turning mourning into a fiesta. It honors not only the dead, but also the living.

(Photos by the author)