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An illustrated guide to Dia de los Muertos

Harry October 28, 2024

Day of the Dead, also known as Dia de los Muertos, is often confused with “Mexican Halloween” due to its use and celebration of skeletons. With roots in southern Mexico, this three-day Aztec celebration in late October honors the memory of deceased family members, friends, and even pets.

In late October, popular Day of the Dead symbols appear, such as bright paper flowers and face painting. So, are you familiar with the various parts of the ofrenda, the traditional altar, or the significance of sugar skulls on Dia de los Muertos?

Day of the Dead is mostly celebrated in Mexico and Central America, and is also celebrated in various cities in the United States. Read on to discover more about the traditions of this holiday:

Day of the Dead celebration days

Day of the Dead celebrations begin 31 October and will end on November 2. The combination of indigenous death cult and ritual rites with Catholicism brought it from Europe. The tradition of inviting deceased loved ones home for a day is a way to honor their lives and acknowledge what happens after death.

Traditions of an Ofrenda

Food, flowers, and altars are necessary components of the celebration. To honor the deceased, foods such as sugar skulls, sugar donuts, and drinks are arranged in offices or on home altars, along with clay ornaments and sentimental objects. Whether at the cemetery or at a table at home, family members expect their loved ones to feast on the “essence” of the treats offered to them.

What do the Ofrenda offerings symbolize?

Where did the use of skeletons come from?

Skeletons are the most iconic representations of the Day of the Dead. Today people wear fancy costumes with skull faces. A fun representation of the afterlife is a skeleton.

One of the well-known representations of the Day of the Dead. La Calavera CatrinaThe skull, meaning “elegant skull”, first appeared in 1910 as a skeletal figure wearing an elaborate outfit. satirical artist in Mexico José Guadalupe Posada He was the first person to draw his figure. It was intended to sarcastically remind those who wanted to stand out in the social and political arena that, in essence, all people were just a pile of bones.

Alebrijes: Even the dead need a spiritual guide

Pedro LinaresA Mexico City artist introduced the celebration to colorful, mythical creatures known as Alebrijes in 1936. With their exaggerated bodies with stripes and dots, these creatures are considered creatures from our dreams and the land of the dead. They are usually made from paper mache or wood.

The fundamental meaning of Day of the Dead celebrations has remained unchanged for thousands of years, despite their evolving traditions. This holiday is a time when those who have passed away are honored and celebrated, as well as presenting death as an inevitable part of life.

SOURCE DayofheDead.holiday/history, history.comUniversity of New Mexico, britannica.com and USA TODAY research