7/2/2023 0 Comments Dia de los muertos altar itemsWith their strong scent and vibrant color the petals are used to make a path that leads the spirits from the cemetery to their families’ homes. The cempasúchil, a type of marigold flower native to Mexico, is often placed on ofrendas and around graves. Flowers, butterflies and skulls are typically used as symbols (Courtesy of the Smithsonian Latino Center)ĥ. Traditional calaveras, or skulls, which are prominent on Día de los Muertos. Candles are often left in the form of a cross to represent the cardinal directions, so the spirits can find their way. Earth is represented by food, especially bread. Papel picado, or traditional paper banners, represent the wind. Water is left in a pitcher so the spirits can quench their thirst. They place down pictures of the deceased, along with items that belonged to them and objects that serve as a reminder of their lives.Įvery ofrenda also includes the four elements: water, wind, earth and fire. This temporary altar is a way for families to honor their loved ones and provide them what they need on their journey. The ofrenda is often the most recognized symbol of Día de los Muertos. (Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum) This is an installation by artist Amalia Mesa-Bains, titled “An Ofrenda for Dolores del Rio” © 1991, Amalia Mesa-Bains. The ofrenda, or altar, is composed of mementos, photographs and objects of loved ones who have died and is intended to honor and remember their lives. Recently it has become increasingly popular among Latino communities abroad, including in the United States. Today, Día de los Muertos is celebrated mostly in Mexico and some parts of Central and South America. 1 as a day to remember children who have passed away, and on Nov. Día de los Muertos is often celebrated on Nov. Certain months were dedicated to remembering the departed, based on whether the deceased was an adult or a child.Īfter the arrival of the Spanish, this ritual of commemorating the dead was intertwined with two Spanish holidays: All Saints Day (Nov. It originated in Mexico and Central Americaĭía de los Muertos originated in ancient Mesoamerica (Mexico and northern Central America) where indigenous groups, including Aztec, Maya and Toltec, had specific times when they commemorated their loved ones who had passed away. Many communities that celebrate Día de los Muertos also celebrate Halloween. 31, Día de los Muertos is celebrated right after, on Nov. (Courtesy of the Smithsonian Latino Center) Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, African Artĭance group Los Tecuanes perform the “La Danza de los Tecuanes” at a festival celebrating Día de los Muertos at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.While the idea of celebrating death might strike a morbid chord for some people in the United States, for us it's a way to celebrate the lives of our deceased loved ones and honor their memories through food, music, photos, and brightly colored altars. Since then, it has become one of my very favorite holidays and traditions - one that my children and I look forward to each year. They were tasked with bringing photos and mementos of their loved ones while I prepared some of my favorite family recipes. Inspired by the lively celebrations in Old Town, I built my Día de los Muertos altar and invited friends and family to join in on the festivities. Over ten years ago, while living in San Diego, I created my first home altar to honor my father. Nowadays on November 1st and 2nd the living honor the dead by visiting gravesites, building altars, and preparing their favorite foods in order to encourage a visit to the terrestrial world. Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is rooted in Mesoamerican culture and was likely first observed by the Aztecs in festivals that celebrated the ruler of the underworld, Mictecacihuatl.
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