Oct. 31 marks the official day of Halloween. Shortly after Halloween is the celebration of El día de Los Muertos, also known as the day of the dead, which is a traditional Mexican holiday. This day should not be mistaken as a “Mexican Halloween,” but rather a day to remember all of our loved ones who we have lost. The holiday is a mixture of indigenous and Catholic beliefs that occurs from November 1st to the 2nd. It is also known as “All Saints Day” or “All souls day.” If you have ever watched Disney’s movie Coco, you’ll know what this day entails.
This year has been marked with tragedy as we have lost thousands of people from the pandemic. Today you can join me in celebrating those we have lost by taking part in this beautiful holiday. This year will mark the first year that I join in on the festivities. My family and I have lost two uncles and a close friend this year, making this the first time I have experienced losing a loved one. It was a shock to receive a phone call in the middle of a perfectly normal day and hear that I’ll never be able to see them again, let alone to receive the news also in the span of one year. I will, however, always have the memories and all the love they gave. It’s hard to move on, but hopefully, in celebrating this holiday, I and anyone else going through the same can get the chance to spend one more day with those who have passed and say goodbye.
In a world without COVID, people usually throw parades, parties, sing and dance, set up an ofrenda (offering) and even wear makeup in the design of a skull. This day is filled with joy and laughter rather than sorrow. Some families visit the graves of their loved ones and bring along food and decorations. The belief behind this holiday is that our lost loved ones are able to cross into the real world and spend the day together with us. The passage that allows them to enter back into our world is by setting up an ofrenda.
An ofrenda is an alter with a collection of items representing several elements of life that help ease the passage of our loved ones. Below are a few things you can include in your ofrenda.
A white cloth and salt is used to represent happiness and keep the soul of the dead pure on their way in and out. Water is used to quench their thirst in their long journey into our world.
Candles are lit so that the flame can serve as a light to guide them and represents faith and hope.
Incense is used to cleanse the house of any bad spirits or vibes. To the indigenous the incense represented prayer and praise to the gods. An ash cross can also be set up to help clear a guilty conscious and if found in purgatory this can help get them out.
“Papel Picado” is the colorful banner hanging across the ritual display. In addition to adding a touch of festivity, it represents the air. The orange flowers are called Marigold or Cempasúchil. Their vibrant color represents the sun and serves as guide as well. White wallflowers are used for children to represent their innocence and purity. Loved one’s favorite food and drinks are served for their satisfaction as well as alcohol or anything else that gave them pleasure. The bread in the middle is called Pan de muerto and originates back to the Aztec times when they had human sacrifices. The circle in the middle represents a skull and the elongated pieces represent bones. Some say that since then, the bread contained blood from the sacrifices. Don’t worry, now the only red you may see today are the sprinkles. Last and most importantly are the pictures of our loved ones. This can be seen as their invitation to the world to celebrate the day together again.
Without a doubt, this year has been filled with devastation. However, today can be a day of light where we celebrate life and love the people around us. I invite you all to celebrate today with me. Come together with your family and friends and take some time to remember the good times you had with your lost ones. Embrace one another and show each other love. Celebrate life, love and joy.