by Juan Rosero-Narvaez
Origen
Before the arrival of European explorers, the indigenous people of Mexico had many customs and traditions about interactions with the deceased. However, with the influence of Christianity, almost all of these traditions ceased to exist, yet one prevails to this day – the famous Dia de Los Muertos or Day of The Dead celebrated on November 1st. When the native people of Mexico adopted the catholic calendar, they integrated one of their traditions for commemorating the dead with similar Christian traditions that took place during similar times of the year. These Christians traditions were All Saints’ Day and The Faithful Departed.
Beliefs
It is believed that during November 1st and 2nd, a spiritual bridge is created between the world of the living and the world of the dead. The deceased use this bridge to cross over to the land of the living and go to their families’ homes thanks to being guided by the offerings on the altars created for them. The deceased then are able to spend time with their families and loved ones for a few days before returning back to their original world.
How it is Celebrated
Families and loved ones come together in order to build altars and pray for their deceased. They decorated the altars with photos of the deceased, their favorite foods, skulls, skeletons, candles, and in some cases material things that once belonged to them. Three things that cannot be missing in any altar are petalos de cempasuchil (gorgeous yellow flower native to Mexico), el copal (flammable organic liquid believed to be nutritious for the dead), and pan de muerto (traditional sweet cornbread).
Influence on the World
This celebration has positively influenced the world because it shares different perspectives on life and death. Dia de los Muertos celebrates rather than casts a shadow of fear on the afterlife, which helps foster a healthier relationship with mortality and death.
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