Traditionally, families spend some time around the altar, praying and telling anecdotes about the deceased. Some families build altars or small shrines in their homes these usually have the Christian cross, statues or pictures of the Blessed Virgin Mary, pictures of deceased relatives and other persons, scores of candles and an ofrenda. In many places, people have picnics at the grave site, as well. In some parts of Mexico, such as the towns of Mixquic, Pátzcuaro and Janitzio, people spend all night beside the graves of their relatives. Pillows and blankets are left out so the deceased can rest after their long journey. Some people believe the spirits of the dead eat the "spiritual essence" of the ofrendas food, so though the celebrators eat the food after the festivities, they believe it lacks nutritional value. The ofrendas are left out in the homes as a welcoming gesture for the deceased. Ofrendas are also put in homes, usually with foods such as candied pumpkin, pan de muerto ("bread of the dead"), and sugar skulls and beverages such as atole. Families will also offer trinkets or the deceased's favorite candies on the grave. Learn more about Día de los Muertos, visit the Smithsonian Latino Center’s Latino Virtual Museum.Toys are brought for deceased children ( los angelitos, or "the little angels"), and bottles of tequila, mezcal or pulque or jars of atole for adults. The skull is used not as morbid symbol but rather as a whimsical reminder of the cyclicality of life, which is why they are brightly decorated. 1, which coincides with Día de los Muertos.Ĭalaveritas de azucar, or sugar skulls, along with toys, are left on the altars for children who have passed. This belief stems from the fact that the first monarchs arrive in Mexico for the winter each fall on Nov. Monarch butterflies play a role in Día de los Muertos because they are believed to hold the spirits of the departed. With 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.
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