Day of the Dead

We explain what the Day of the Dead is in Latin America, its origin and the literary skulls. Also, the altar of the dead and its offerings.

What is the Day of the Dead?

The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday in which deceased loved ones are honored. It is believed that the spirits of the deceased return to the world of the living during November 1 and 2 of each year.

It is a celebration that combines elements of indigenous Mesoamerican traditions with Catholic practices and beliefs. It is a joyful commemoration, which celebrates the continuity of life through rituals and offerings. In it, colorful altars are created, decorated with photos, flowers, candles and those foods that were appreciated by the deceased.

The dates coincide with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Although the precise days are November 1 and 2, Day of the Dead celebrations can last up to a week.

The cultural richness of this tradition is such that UNESCO named it Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2008. It is one of the most famous and visited traditions in Mexico, and has inspired numerous documentary and fictional works.

Origin of the Day of the Dead

The Day of the Dead It has its roots in ancient Mesoamerican cultures like the Aztecs, Mayans, Purépechas and Toltecs, who believed in life after death. Before the arrival of the Spanish and the introduction of Catholicism in Latin America, these cultures celebrated festivals dedicated to the dead at different times of the year.

With Spanish colonization, indigenous beliefs and practices were repressed with the goal of Christianizing American culture. However, a process known as syncretism occurred, in which the native populations redefined the teachings based on their understanding of the world, the gods and nature.

In this way, many Catholic celebrations developed new forms and rituals in colonial America. In this case, Mesoamerican societies took the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day to commemorate their deceased loved ones.

Over time, the Day of the Dead became a unique and distinctive celebration in Mexico which combines elements of indigenous cultures and the Catholic religion.

Characteristics of the Day of the Dead

Among the main characteristics of the Day of the Dead are:

• Altar of the dead. For the celebration, altars are created dedicated to deceased loved ones, decorated with photos of the deceased, candles, flowers, food and drink that they liked in life, as well as other objects of personal value.
• Offerings. Cemeteries are visited and offerings are placed on the graves of the deceased to pay tribute and remember them. These offerings can include food, drink, flowers and symbolic objects.
• Skulls and catrinas. In the decoration and art associated with the Day of the Dead, skulls and representations of death, such as catrinas, are used. These figures are often colorful and cheerful, rather than somber, to reflect the festive attitude toward death in this tradition.
• bread of the dead. This is a special type of sweet bread that is made for the celebration and is decorated simulating bones and skulls.

Day of the Dead Altars

Altars for the dead are a central part of Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. Each altar is unique and personalized according to family and regional traditions. Traditional altars usually have several levels, representing the different levels of the spiritual world: heaven, earth and the underworld.

A religious image, such as the Virgin of Guadalupe or a cross, is placed on top of the altar. There may also be candles that symbolize faith and hope. On the middle level are photographs of deceased loved ones who are being honored during the celebration.

Finally, On the lowest level, the food and drink that the deceased commemorated most liked are placed. This can include bread of the dead, tamales, fruits, candy, hot chocolate, as well as alcoholic beverages such as tequila or mezcal. These foods and drinks are considered a way to feed returning spirits.

Flowers, especially the marigold flower, are an important element on altars for the dead. Its color and scent are believed to guide spirits back to the world of the living. Additionally, altars can be decorated with colored paper, sugar skulls, toys and other symbolic objects.

Day of the Dead Offerings

Day of the Dead altars and celebrations include different offerings to honor the deceased in a joyful and festive way. Among them, the following stand out:

• Flower crowns. Cempasuchil flowers, sunflowers and roses are the favorites for making headdresses, which can be placed on tombs and altars or worn on the head by celebrants.
• bread of the dead. It is a type of sweet bread with anise, baked in a round, bone or skull shape.
• alfeñique skulls. They are sweet treats made with sugar, chocolate, amaranth, vanilla and other spices, on which the name of living relatives is usually written.
• Pumpkins in tacha. They are candied pumpkins with piloncillo syrup (a type of unrefined brown sugar), with cinnamon and other spices.
• Crosses made of salt, ashes or earth. They are crosses that are made at the top of the altars and often next to the portrait of the deceased honored.

Day of the Dead Celebrations

During the Day of the Dead, Families often visit cemeteries where their loved ones are buried. They bring flowers and candles to decorate the graves and spend time next to them, remembering and honoring the deceased.

In some communities, colorful and lively parades and festivals are held. These events may include music, dance, costumes and other cultural activities. Among the towns best known for their Day of the Dead festivities are Mexico City, Oaxaca, Pátzcuaro and Janitzio.

Celebrations may also include theatrical performances or street shows which tell stories related to death and life after death. These representations are usually colorful and full of symbolism.

In addition, there are communities that carry out special religious rituals such as masses or prayers in honor of the deceased. These rituals can take place both in churches and in family homes.

Day of the Dead literary skulls

The literary skull is a type of rhymed poetic work, of popular and traditional origin, which is composed on the eve of the Day of the Dead. It is a form of humorous poetry, used to make friendly fun of living people or public figures, portraying them as if they were dead.

These texts are printed in newspapers and magazines, recited at community events or shared on social networks. Generally, they are written as an epitaph and are accompanied by drawings of skulls.

The literary skulls come from the 19th century. They were published for the first time in 1879, in the newspaper The Socialistfrom Guadalajara. In their time they were often censored, since they served as an instrument of protest against powerful public figures.

References

• Dennis, M. (Ed.). (2006). Mexico. Encyclopedia of Holidays and Celebrations.vol III: Facts on File.
• Malvido, E. (2006). The festival of All Saints, Faithful Dead and its altar of the dead in Mexico. Cultural Heritage and Tourism, 1642-55.
  https://puntodincontro.mx/
• The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2024). Day of the Dead. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/