Water is placed in a container for the soul to quench its thirst after the long awaited journey to the altar. Wind is represented by a moving object: Paper- Mache is commonly utilized to represent the echoes of the wind. Placing fruit or favorite family dishes on the altar provides nourishment for the beloved souls The altar includes the four main elements of nature – Earth, Wind, Water and Fire.Įarth is represented by the crop: The soul is fed by the various earthly aromas. The offerings, a main focal point of the celebration, echo the dedication and distinct love that is presented toward the dearly departed. The 1st fell in the ninth month Mic-cailhuitontli that meant, “small feast of the dead,” the second took place during the following month, Hueymiccaihuitl, meaning the “great feast of the dead”.ĭia De Los Muertos revolves around ofrendas, or offerings, which are created through a visual display of altar-making and grave decorating. There were two ceremonies valued over and above all rituals of death throughout the 18 months of the Aztec calendar year. To them, life was a dream and only in death did they become truly awake. Instead of fearing death, they embraced it. Mesoamerican civilizations viewed death as the continuation of life. The origins of Dia De los Muertos can be traced back 2500 - 3000 years to the Aztec Festival dedicated to the goddess known as Mictecacihuatl “The Lady of the Dead,” which fell on the 9th month of the Aztec calendar during the corn harvest. Traditions connected with the holiday include visiting graves with gifts and possessions, building private and public altars honoring the deceased with items such as marigolds, sugar skulls, and the favorite foods of the departed. Homes, cemeteries, and public spaces await the annual visit of the dearly departed.
On November 2nd, the spirits of adults come down to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them. Most believe that the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31st, and the spirits of all deceased children (angelitos) are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours.
Events typically take place from October 31st through November 2nd. On Dia de los Muertos, the dead are part of the community, awakened from their eternal sleep to share remembrance with their loved ones. The dead come to life through the memories of the living. The celebration centers with remembering friends and family members who have passed away. Dia de Los Muertos, which coincides with All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day is a holiday observed throughout Mexico, Central America and around the world.