The Day Of The Dead

Tecnológico de Monterrey
Alejandra Olivieri
October 15, 2012

Day of the Dead
Humanity has always questioned itself about what happens after death; it feels the need to explain the mysteries of life and most of all, of death.  Therefore, the ones that have the same way to see the world or the same culture, try to give a credible explanation to those things that cannot be explain. The mostcommon way ancient cultures reached this goal was through myths and legends, which in more recent times leaded to traditions. Traditions attempt to represent the beliefs and the purpose of living of the culture that practice them. A lot of traditions honor heroic events such as the fight for the freedom of a nation, they also honor remarkable days such as the beginning of a new year; thesetraditions are celebrated in almost every country. They connect people by providing them an excuse to get together for a celebration. But few cultures provide their believers with an excuse to connect to the people that cannot get together anymore. Mexico for example, is a country with multiple traditions celebrations, normally called holidays, and since it is considered as a very religious country, withthe 80% of its population being Christian-Catholic, the majority of its traditions are based on faith. Precisely, within the culture of this Latin-American country, there is a celebration that takes place every year and invites the believers to connect to those who are not here anymore. It has the theme of death.
The Day of the Dead, Día de Muertos in the language of its origin, “is a richtradition for fondly remembering departed family members. It is a time to really feel their presence once again. The tradition involves both solemn and fun aspects” (McNamara, Robinson & Neuberger, 2003, p. 51). Basically, it is the demonstration of acceptance of a fact of life, the death. “This acceptance of death was passed down from the Aztecs, [Mexican ancestors], who believed the souls of deadpeople would visit with their family during the summer . . . the original Day of the Dead ritual was celebrated and it lasted a month” (Miller, n.d., para.15). The Spaniards conquerors wanted to eliminate this ritual but they could not, finally, they decided to make it coincide with All Saint’s Day. It is officially celebrated on November 2, in Mexico. Even though, “in most localities November 1is set aside for remembrance of deceased infants and children, often referred to as angelitos (little angels). Those who have died as adults are honored on November 2” (Palfrey, 1995, para. 4).
This tradition involves graveside gatherings where families pray for the eternal rest of the loved ones departed. The graves are decorated with colorful adornments, candy skulls, the typical flower of thisday: marigolds, and the favorite dishes of the ones that got away. “Spirits of the dead are expected to pay a holiday visit home and should be provided with an enticing repast . . .for the journey . . . washbasin and clean hand towel are provided so that visiting souls can freshen up before the feast” (Palfrey, 1995, para. 7), based on this belief, another way to honor them is by setting altars.Altars consist of an arrangement of “overturned wooden crates placed in tiers and covered with clean linens. The offerings are then laid out in an artistic and fairly symmetrical fashion. The smell of burning copal (incense) and the light of numerous candles are intended to help the departed find their way” (Palfrey, 1995, para. 8). On top of the crates are located the same items that relativesuse to embellish the graves.
Peculiar icons of the Day of the Dead are papier-mache statues; baked goods especially pan de muerto, which consists of sugary sweet rolls available in different sizes; and mainly, a feminine skeleton that wears flamboyant dresses, “Her face is unforgettable and she goes by many names: La Catrina, la Flaca, la Huesuda, la Pelona — Fancy Lady, Skinny, Bony, Baldy. A...