The holiday season is nearly upon us! Today, we again hand the blogging reins to REVStaffing’s Mercedes Castillo, for her take on a tradition whose roots lie across multiple cultures – Dia de los Muertos…
There are few holidays more misunderstood than Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Its modern-day calendar placement on November 1 is juxtaposed with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2). In Mexico, November 1 is Dia de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels), honoring children and infants; November 2 honors deceased adults. Situated on the calendar so close to the holiday of Halloween, the two are often confused, although the true meaning of All Hallow’s Eve comes closer to the Day of the Dead than any current commercialization of Halloween ever could.
Some aspects of this Mexican holiday (which is believed to be based on an Aztec festival dating back hundreds of years) don’t translate well into an American society where death is feared, and talking with the deceased is likely to earn one a 72-hour hold in an institution. In other cultures, though, talking to and taking comfort from the dead is no laughing matter. Many Asian cultures practice varying forms of ancestor worship, and African cultures often look to the past as a way to guide them in the future. In Mexico, this conglomeration of beliefs is manifested in the Day of the Dead.
There is no costume donning, no candy given, and surely no attempts to scare anyone. Instead, altars are made inside homes, and graves are visited. Sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods of the departed are all used to honor the deceased; they’re often taken as gifts during graveyard visitations. All of this is done with reverence and joy, and only a touch of sadness. It is believed that on this day, the dead can visit with the living – truly visit and communicate. A family holiday, Dia de los Muertos is similar to our American Thanksgiving celebration, in that a large meal is enjoyed by all (although as mentioned, some food is often left for the dearly departed).
Not Mexican, but Latina in origin, I incorporate aspects of this holiday into life with my daughter. We have little altar where she will place dog treats for her beloved Doberman who lives in Heaven, and we talk about how much we miss her and loved her. As her loved ones leave this world, our altar will grow. I hope that she will appreciate that leaving this earthly place does not mean you are gone forever, just moved to a different, non-visible place.
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