SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration in Mexico, parts of Latin America and the United States honoring family members who have passed away.
The holiday takes place every year from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 (All Souls Day) and originated in the Aztec culture before the arrival of Spanish colonizers and the Roman Catholic Church.
In some countries, families spend the day at the panteon (cemetery) cleaning the grave and decorating it with flowers, food and other tributes. A notable tradition is the creation of ofrendas, or altars, decorated with photos of the departed, cempasúchil (marigolds), their favorite foods and drinks, candles, incense and personal items belonging to the person being honored.
Ofrendas can be extravagant, creative, or simple but should represent the four elements: fire, wind, earth and water. It must be in place by Oct. 31 to be ready to welcome their loved one.
Below is a list of items to get you started:
- Photographs: Pictures of the deceased are placed on the altar to draw them to cross over.
- Cempasúchil (marigolds): The bright orange and yellow flower are considered "the flower of the dead." It is said the flowers' fragrance leads souls from their burial to their families' homes.
- Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead): Pan de Muerto is a type of pan dulce (sweet bread) that is decorated with a crisscrossed shape made from dough representing bones. It is viewed as being hospitable because it feeds the dead after a long journey home.
- Candles: The candles represent fire and light the path the soul will take to the altar.
- Copal (incense): Is said to be used to cleanse the air, allowing the spirits to cross with ease. Conversely, others say it represents the transition from the spiritual world into the physical.
- Papel Picado: Papel Picado is a colorful cutout paper banner that represents wind. It is said that when the soul arrives, the paper will move and alert the family that they have arrived.
- Water and Food: Water is offered to quench the soul's thirst after a long journey, or can be replaced with the loved one's favorite drink. Food can vary depending on what the departed enjoyed.
- Sugar Skulls: Represents death and the sweetness of life.
- Personal objects: This can vary from clothing or a favorite hobby like a book, necklace, toys, etc.
- Salt: Salt is used as a means to purify the soul and prevent it from being corrupted. It's often placed in a bowl and shaped into the pattern of the cross. (optional)
Dates to remember:
- Nov. 1: Día de Los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels), when the spirits of departed children reunite with their families.
- Nov. 2: Día de Los Difuntos (Spirits of the Adults), continues to honor the spirits of the departed adults.
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