The Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexico holiday honoring the dead. It is celebrated every year at the same time as Halloween and the Christian holy days of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. The Day of the Dead is a time for rejoicing and remembering.
Day of the Dead also called "Dia de los Muertos," is a festival which is celebrated in Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, and other areas in Central and South America populated with the Latino ethnic background. The Day of the Dead is also celebrated in areas of the United States, such as California, Texas, and many others, in which the Mexican/American heritage exists.
Day of the Dead also called "Dia de los Muertos," is a festival which is celebrated in Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, and other areas in Central and South America populated with the Latino ethnic background. The Day of the Dead is also celebrated in areas of the United States, such as California, Texas, and many others, in which the Mexican/American heritage exists.
Every autumn Monarch Butterflies, which have spent their summer up north in the United States and Canada, return to Mexico for the winter protection of the oyamel fir trees. The locals welcome back the returning butterflies, which they believe bear the spirits of their departed. These spirits will be honored during Los Dias de los Muertos.
Living in Southern California, every year I see the Monarch Butterflies flying through the air on their way to Mexico. It's a beautiful site. There are so many if you are outside this time of year, you can't help but see a few.
November 2nd is the official day for this holiday, it is celebrated between October 31st and November 2nd. These dates correspond with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. It is a time when family members who have died are remembered. In Mexico, this festival is considered to be the most important holiday of the year.
The main symbols of this holiday are skulls and skeletons. Scenes of skeletons hugging, marching, dancing, and laughing are seen in window displays on the streets. Marigolds are another significant symbol for the Day of the Dead festivity, they are known as the "flower of the dead." Their scent is believed to "attract the souls in and draw them back."
Offerings of food and drink are prepared for the dead. Offerings are often set up in the home on an altar. This could be favorite things of a deceased family members, photos, or jewelry and various other possessions.
Flat bread is often baked in the shape of skulls and crossbones. It is said to be good luck to be the one who bites into the plastic toy skeleton hidden by the baker in each loaf. Skulls are made out of sugar and skeletons, and coffins as well. Mexican dishes are made and shared. Dishes like tamales, moles, chiles, and enchiladas are shared.
This holiday is believed to "welcome the souls of the dead." The souls are said to return each year to enjoy the pleasures that they once had in life. They are thought to return to be with their living relatives for a few brief hours each year in this world, but come as spirits who have returned from another world.
There are folktale's shared that say the dead spirits will get revenge on the living if they get poor treatment during these days each year. Leaving nothing on the altar causes the spirits to be angry. These superstitions inspire many people to participate in this holiday celebration. Many fear retaliation by the spirits.
The Day of the Dead is a cherished holiday by many. It is thought that "whatever pleased the dead in life they are to have again." The holiday brings the whole family together to remember loved ones who they have lost.
Last year I was lucky enough to spent this holiday in Mexico City. It was something I'd love to do again.
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I did not think many people even knew about it.
As a child my Grandmother told me all about it, she keeps it up today. You should see the Great Grandkids stare. Every year I get 20 questions from them.
The first Eid is celebrated after the Holy month of Ramadaan, which marks a month-long fast. The second Eid marks the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
Did you know in Madagascar, an African Island off the east coast of South Africa, Madagascans celebrate a rite called: "The Turning of the Bones." Family members literally turn the bones of their dear departed!
Cheers
We sang a few times and there was a procession with altar boys with candles and a girl in a Mexican dress with a diamond tiarra on her head and the priests. During one song we all held hands while we sang. At the end of the service people shook hands with each other and wished each other peace. Then we all went to the activity hall and had a huge Mexican dinner with lots of desserts. There were decorated sugar skulls on the tables and placemats made by children. It was a very interesting celebration and like nothing I'd ever been to before. I belong to a Hispanic Baptist church and we don't believe in or celebrate this holiday, so I was there more as a guest observing than someone celebrating it. I'm glad I went to it though. I learned a lot about Mexican culture.