Dia de los Muertos

A celebrated tradition that has rudiments from indigenous cultures of Latin America is Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.  The celebration involves 3 days of rituals in which prayer is given to those who have passed away at the end of October and beginning of November.  The ceremony seeks to pay respect and celebrate death as a natural process of life rather than fear death.  Furthermore, it reinforces the idea that an after life does exist, therefore there is something to look forward to.

The celebration stems from the indigenous culture of the Aztec, Olemc, Zaputec, and Maya.  Traditionally, they would create alters for the dead and pray to Mitectacihuatl, the "Lady of the Dead".  The alters are decorated with candles, images of the deceased, an object that represents those who have passes and pan de muerto, bread for the dead.  The typical flower used is the marigold.  Usually, Nov. 1 is the date in which the children are celebrated, and toys are placed on the alters that are either made at the cemeteries or in the household.  The adults are celebrated on Nov. 2 and that is also the closing of the celebration for the day of the dead.  

At my household, we have celebrated Dia de los Muertos since I was a child.  We usually focus on my grandfather who passed away about 15 years ago.  My mother also places some toys for the child she lost at birth about 32 years ago.  Due to the heavy Catholic influence in Mexico, the prayers that are said to the dead are Catholic.  Hence, the modern day practice assimilates indigenous practices with Catholic prayers.  Recently, last week, M.E.Ch.A. de UCI celebrated Day of the Dead on campus on Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Student Center Terrace.  We built alters that were decorated with flowers, candles, and sugar skulls.  We also had Aztec Dancers perform the dances and rituals to "call upon our loved ones" to come celebrate.  It is beautiful to continue a tradition that has existed for about 2500-3000 years in our culture.