A Beautiful Mexican Tradition to Celebrate the Lives of the Departed
Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a traditional Mexican holiday observed on November 2 that reunites the living and dead. A rare holiday for celebrating death and life, Día de Muertos is unlike any other remembrance of the deceased; where mourning death is exchanged for celebrating life.
Families create ofrendas (Offerings) to honor their beloved family members that have passed. These altars are decorated with bright yellow marigold flowers, candles, incense, pan de muerto, photos of the departed, and the favorite food and drinks of the one being honored. The offerings are believed to encourage visits from the land of the dead as the departed souls hear their prayers, smell their foods and join in the celebrations!
Photos of Loved OnesThe most important and emotional detail of an altar, images of the departed individuals being honored are placed.
Food & DrinkThe favorite foods and beverages of the deceased for their soul to enjoy and to remember.
Marigold FlowerThe belief is that the aroma and color of this flower help the souls on their journey to find their offerings.
Pan de Muerto (Bread of the dead)Due to its shape, it traditionally represents the cycle of life and death.
Papel Picado (Decorative colorful paper)It not only gives color to the offering, but also represents air, one of the four elements that must be present in any Día de Muertos altar.
What is Día de Muertos and when is it?
A Mexican tradition of pre-Hispanic origin that commemorates death as just one more element of life and as a way to remember loved ones.
During this celebration, it is said that the departed come back home 'to the living world' to spend time with their loved ones and enjoy the food that is offered at the altars placed in their honor.
The belief is that the deceased visit on November 1 and 2. With November 1 marking the remembrance of deceased children and November 2 for the memory of adults.
Who celebrates Día de Muertos and how do they celebrate?
In Mexico, this tradition was first adopted by indigenous people, including the Mexica, Mixtec and Tlaxcaltecas, among others.
People celebrate decorating the graves of their loved ones with orange cempasúchil flowers (marigolds), which are believed to illuminate the path for our ancestors to return. People also visit the cemeteries to bring flowers, candles and more gifts to the graves of their family. At home, colorful altars are prepared for the deceased.
Although it is a Mexican tradition, other Catholic countries around the world also observe celebrations similar to Día de Muertos. In the Philippines, families visit the graves of the dead. In the United States, on November 2, Catholics remember and pray for their deceased on All Souls Day.
What is placed on a Día de Muertos altar?
Glass of WaterIt represents the purity of the soul and calms the spirit’s thirst.
Alcoholic beverageTraditionally tequila, pulque, beer or mezcal.
CandlesThe flame represents the light, faith, and hope that guides people between worlds. In some indigenous communities, every candle represents a deceased loved one.
SaltPlaced so that the visiting spirit is not lost or corrupted during its stay in the world of the living.
FruitIn addition to the favorite foods of the deceased, there are fruits that are traditionally placed in the offering, such as tangerines, sugarcane, guava, orange and jicama.
CalaveritasIn ancient times, real skulls were used but are now substituted by skulls made of sugar, chocolate or amaranth seeds.
What are Calaveritas Literarias?
Literally, it translates to Literary Skull. But Calaveritas are short poems, made up of a series of rhythmic verses that refer to imaginary situations about the encounter of a friend or character with death.
The first Calaveras were published as cartoons in the second half of the 19th century. These images were accompanied by comical verses describing the character’s death. Today, the custom has grown to also feature public figures, politicians, celebrities and characters, with death seen from the perspective of satire, mischief and irony.
This page is offered in memory of Jon Trasamar, dear friend and college teammate of 2023 champion Erik van Rooyen. Rest in peace Jon.
