![]() ![]() Some calaveras have the names of deceased loved ones scripted on their foreheads. From edible sugar skulls to papier mâché creations decorating homes and altars, you’ll find them everywhere. CalaverasĬalaveras, or skulls, are among the most recognizable 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 Angelítos (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. The four essential elements of nature-earth, wind, water, and fire-in various forms but often including 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).These items have a specific purpose: 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 other personal items, along with photos of them as they existed in life. These public altars are often elaborate, detailed, colorful, and painstakingly crafted by the families seeking to honor their deceased loved ones. The ofrenda also, symbolically, makes the deceased feel comfortable when visiting the living.įamilies create 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. 3 common Día de los Muertos traditionsĭía de los Muertos celebrations include making altars, decorating with skulls and marigolds, and making pan de muerto. ![]() Traditional belief holds that during Dia de los Muertos festivities, the deceased can awaken from their eternal sleep and share food, drink, and celebrations with their families. At its heart, it acknowledges death as a key 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. The tradition originated in southern Mexico more than 3,000 years ago with the indigenous peoples of the region. Like many aspects of Mexican culture, it combines colonial and indigenous beliefs. Further reading A brief history of Día de los Muertosĭía de los Muertos derives 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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