The Day of the Dead may sound so morbid but it shouldn't. In Mexico, this is the day they give honor to their relatives who have gone ahead. It is not a celebration of death but it is the celebration of life and its importance. This originated back in the pre Hispanic era. This is a fun day where relatives would gather and celebrate. They believe that their deceased families and friends will come back and will celebrate with them. Thus, you will see a lot of foods, there will be music and dances as well.
This tradition is from the Aztec celebration. They used skulls and skeletons to symbolize the rebirth and the one which almost everybody fears about, death. Usually, this event is being celebrated on August. When Spaniards came to conquer them, and they influenced them of Catholicism, it was moved to November 1st and 2nd. It coincides with these dates wherein Christians celebrate All Saints and All Souls Day. This celebration encourages other people to be brave and welcome death instead of fearing it.
This celebration is very important in the culture of Mexicans. It shows how much they value their loved ones who passed ahead of them. You would be amazed because you will not see them sitting in one area and just be silent or mourn. You will hear music and you will see them dance as well. For those little kids who passed, their parents and relatives would prepare candies, and would offer toys and gifts as well. These individuals would also lit candles to guide them back home.
An altar is being prepared to give honor to the dead. They will set up an altar or a corner that will serve as their altar. In this altar you will find marigolds, Pan de Muerto, skull candies or sugar skulls, pastries and tequila for adults. These foods and other items such as pictures and those stuffs that remind them of the dead loved one are on the table covered with fabric. For those who have a bigger family, you will definitely see a bigger feast prepared.
The Day of the Dead is somehow similar to Halloween. The decorations such as skulls, skeletons, candies and candles are among the things that are common to both celebrations. Some other reasons are the fun celebrations, the dressing up and the date of the celebration which is close to October 31.
This tradition is from the Aztec celebration. They used skulls and skeletons to symbolize the rebirth and the one which almost everybody fears about, death. Usually, this event is being celebrated on August. When Spaniards came to conquer them, and they influenced them of Catholicism, it was moved to November 1st and 2nd. It coincides with these dates wherein Christians celebrate All Saints and All Souls Day. This celebration encourages other people to be brave and welcome death instead of fearing it.
This celebration is very important in the culture of Mexicans. It shows how much they value their loved ones who passed ahead of them. You would be amazed because you will not see them sitting in one area and just be silent or mourn. You will hear music and you will see them dance as well. For those little kids who passed, their parents and relatives would prepare candies, and would offer toys and gifts as well. These individuals would also lit candles to guide them back home.
An altar is being prepared to give honor to the dead. They will set up an altar or a corner that will serve as their altar. In this altar you will find marigolds, Pan de Muerto, skull candies or sugar skulls, pastries and tequila for adults. These foods and other items such as pictures and those stuffs that remind them of the dead loved one are on the table covered with fabric. For those who have a bigger family, you will definitely see a bigger feast prepared.
The Day of the Dead is somehow similar to Halloween. The decorations such as skulls, skeletons, candies and candles are among the things that are common to both celebrations. Some other reasons are the fun celebrations, the dressing up and the date of the celebration which is close to October 31.
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