The Day of the Dead is just that — a holiday on which deceased family and friends are remembered and celebrated. In Mexico, “Día de los Muertos” is taken so seriously that it ranks as a national holiday.
Nothing creepy about the Day of the Dead, even though it occurs right after Halloween. Friendly sugar skulls and bright yellow marigolds play a big part in this celebration of life.
The origins of this holiday go as far back as Aztec times. The celebration begins Nov. 1 (the Catholic All Saints Day) and concludes with the Day of the Dead on Nov. 2 (the Catholic All Souls Day). The first day is dedicated to the souls of deceased children; the second to the adults.
Families gather in graveyards to pray and build colorful altars. Traditional foods such as mucbil chicken (pibs) are prepared. Before the meal, the food must first be placed on the altar. In this way, the living welcome the dead to the party. “The path of the soul through the essence of food,” it’s said in the Yucatan.
What seems special and beautiful is the honoring of souls who’ve departed from this life as we know it. The reverence for our ancestors brings families and friends together to offer prayers for the departed.
What makes these celebrations unique is the happiness that abounds. The passage from one existence to another is both a sacred and natural part of life, a transformation to be greeted without fear. So often death is depicted as a dark and somber event in which grief is the only acceptable response.
The Day of the Dead expands cultural norms to embrace not only grieving, which is essential for healing, but also the passage of time. The crossover of the deceased is to be met with hope and the knowledge that life goes on … and that there is more to our life than we can ever comprehend.
These celebrations are traditional in many cultures, particularly in Spain, Mexico and other Latin cultures, but they also occur in Asia, Africa and some parts of Europe.
So if you’ve never experienced one of these wonderful celebrations, why not step out into something new and experience the Day of the Dead. You just might learn something, enjoy good things to eat and have lots of fun!