Halloween&Day Of Dead Simitud

The Celts celebrated the Day of the Dead in the United Kingdom on October 31st - what's now Halloween. They believed the spirits rose from the dead on that day every year. They would leave foodofferings at their doors - just like giving candy to little trick-or-treaters. They wore masks to scare off or fool the evil spirits into thinking that they were ghosts and ghouls - hence Halloweencostumes. Halloween obviously has its roots in this tradition.
The Day of the Dead, Los Dias de los Muertos, takes place between November 1st and 2nd. It's mainly celebrated in Mexico, the Philippines andsome parts of South America. It's origins in Mexico go back to the Aztecs and Mayans. They believed there was one day in the year when the souls of the dead would visit their loved ones. (The Aztecsactually celebrated the dead for two full months.) They would put out offerings for these spirits. After the Spanish conquest the celebration was mixed with celebrations for the Christian All Saints Day(November 1st) and All Souls Day (November 2nd). On All Souls Day Catholics honor the souls of their dead and pray for them, to help them pass from purgatory to heaven.
Today The Day of the Deadstill symbolizes a time when the deceased can come back to earth (in spirit) and partake in the pleasures of the world. This is a time of festivities. Families welcome back the dead and offer them treatson a homemade alter. The treats can include special meals, sweets, cigars, drinks, etc. Some may even leave a place at the dinner table for the departed loved one.
All decorations are supposed tobe handmade. Skeletons and skulls are important symbols. Paper chains, banners and flowers are also constructed. Sugar candy skulls and bread, called pan de muertos, in the shape of skulls or decoratedwith bones, are also made.
One part of The Day of the Dead is building the alter (ofrenda). Photos of the departed are placed on the alter, as well as mementos and flowers. Special candles and...