Since pre-Hispanic times, Indigenous cultures conceived death as a dialectical unity. This duality of life-death has coexisted in every life aspect of the pre-Hispanic cultures. After the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors to Mexico in the sixteenth century, a fusion between the Catholic traditions and the Indigenous beliefs about death was born, creating what today we know as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
The Day of the Dead celebration begins in the afternoon of October 31st, when the candles inviting the spirit of the children are lit. Then, on November 1st in the afternoon, candles are lit to invite the spirits of the adults. November 1st is known as All Saints Day. November 2nd is when families go to the cemetery to decorate the graves and tombs of their relatives, which is known as All Souls Day.
Valeria Gomez, Guanajuato, MX. 2015
The traditions and activities that take place in celebration of Dia de los Muertos are not universal, often varying from place to place. Even though these practices vary there are some main activities and symbols that can be seen in the development of this celebration. These activities and symbols are the altar and a visit to the cemetery.
Evangelina Espinoza. Colima, MX. 2015
The altar is a fascinating mixture of symbolism that comes from both native traditions and Catholic beliefs brought to Mexico by the Spanish conquistadors. Altars can be made up of two, three or seven levels and they include seven main symbols, each representing something different.
· Ofrendas- The ‘ofrenda,’ or offering, is any item placed on the altar that represents a gift to the deceased.
· Flower Arch- Above the altar is usually a large arch made of flowers. It represents the entry into the world of the dead.
· Salt- Salt is usually placed on a plate and stops the souls of the deceased from being corrupted by earthly temptations.
· Water- A glass of water is often placed on the altars. This is to quench the thirst of the deceased and strengthen them for their return journey.
· Candles- Candles are seen as a guiding light in this world, and mean mourning and purity.
· Cempasuchil Flowers- Yellow flowers, or cempasuchil are a guide for the spirits into the mortal world.
· The Cross- A cross made of slaked lime is drawn on the ground under the altar. It represents the four cardinal points corresponding to the four elements.
David Vallejo. Queretaro, MX. 2015
The Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) can be seen practiced by many Hispanic families in both El Paso, TX and Las Cruces, NM. This day has a deep religious and personal meaning for people who practice it. The Dia de los Muertos makes people remember with joy the memories of their departed relatives and celebrate their lives. In 2008, Dia de los Muertos was declared an Intangible Heritage for the Humanity by UNESCO.