Dia de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a 2-day period where Mexicans celebrate and honor their loved ones who have passed. November 1st is the day the deceased cross over following a path of Cempasúchil (marigold) petals to see their families, and enjoy the gifts left for them on the ofrenda. Every family has different beliefs around Dia de Los Muertos, and every family sets up their unique ofrenda (altar) according to their family’s traditions. November 2nd is the last night they spend with their families, then they cross back over.
So why do Mexicans celebrate Dia de los Muertos, and how did it start? November first is a day to remember the lives of loved ones who passed and honor them, but it’s also a celebration of life with bright, beautiful colors honoring the departed and keeping their memories alive. The celebration part of it comes from Aztec Traditions. It was believed that dying wasn’t the end, and that it was a transition that was a part of the human life cycle. The Aztecs believed they should keep a good relationship between the departed and the living by offering gifts, food, and more to the deceased. Half of it also comes from Spanish catholic origins, “All Souls Day” or “All Saints Day,” where families would build altars to honor the deceased. All Souls Day and Aztec Traditions merged together to create today’s modern Dia De Los Muertos.
In October, families begin to set up their ofrendas. Every ofrenda is unique, but they all share things in common. Cempasúchil or marigold flowers are bright orange with a strong scent. These flowers are used to decorate the ofrendas, but are also used for their petals. Paths are made using the Cempasúchil petals to guide the souls of the deceased to their families’ homes. More commonly used on ofrendas are sugar skulls, incense, and candles. The Sugar Skulls are used to represent the sweetness of life and are decorated with colorful designs; Incense is used to purify the space and bring spirits in with its scent. Candles are used to light the way for the souls of the family’s loved ones. One thing that every single ofrenda is going to have is pictures of our departed family. These pictures are used to honor the souls of our loved ones. Alongside the pictures, personal items are set on the ofrenda for them; things like necklaces, instruments, and other items are there for the departed to see and grab. Lastly, food, water, and sometimes alcohol are placed on the ofrenda as offerings for the spirits to enjoy when they visit.
Some families in different regions leave out pillows and blankets for the spirits to rest, while others go to cemeteries and decorate their loved one’s headstone, and some families only build altars. No matter where or by whom Dia De Los Muertos is celebrated, it doesn’t matter as long as the departed are honored and celebrated.
November 2nd is the second and last night for spirits to spend time with family. At the end of the visit, spirits will head back. They drink salt and water that was left on the ofrendas, which is used to purify and refresh the soul so they can cross back over. The spirits will follow the paths of Cempasúchil petals and return to where they came from.
Dia De Los Muertos is celebrated every year by millions of people to honor, remember, and keep the memories of our departed ones alive. Remember to love and celebrate life, even of those who have passed.
