Día de los Muertos – Nov 2

While many around the world celebrated Halloween on Wednesday (Oct 31), in Mexico and (by people of Mexican heritage throughout the world) a different but somewhat related festival takes place today: Día de los Muertos. (Day of the Dead)

In some parts of Mexico, children do incorporate the more American tradition of Halloween into Día de los Muertos and go about trick or treating.  Some will ask for dulce o truco (candy or trick)… the literal translation of trick or treat is truco o trato.  Another known expression is “¿me da para mi calaverita?” which roughly translates to “Would you give me something for my sugar skull?”

calaverita
Una Calaverita Image: BancoDeImagenes

To find out more about the history and symbolism associated with the calaveras/calaveritas, click here.

 

In an earlier post we talked about syncretism and how, particularly in Mexico, Aztec traditions and practices were melded with Spanish (and Catholic) traditions and symbolism to be more appealing to the indigenous peoples.  Día de los Muertos is another example of this.

In Aztec mythology, MictÄ“cacihuātl translates to “Lady of the Dead” and she is the ruling Queen the underworld and afterlife.  She watches over the bones of the dead and presides over the ancient festivals of the dead, which were celebrated in early Summer.  Modern festivities have evolved from Aztec traditions into the modern Día de Muertos, after fusing with Spanish traditions.  The time of the celebration moved to Oct 31, Nov 1 and Nov 2 to coincide with the Western Christianity triduum of Hallowtide: All Saints’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day. MictÄ“cacihuātl presides over the contemporary festival as well.

Mictēcacihuātl
Mictēcacihuātl

 

This festival was always meant to remember, cherish and pray for the souls of departed loved ones.  It has gained significant cultural significance in Mexico.  In the 1960s, educational policies were put in place to mark Día de los Muertos as a unifying national tradition based on indigenous traditions.

While there are many aspects to consider and various traditions to participate in, I’d like to share with you the preparations of one fellow blogger.  At View From Casita Colibrí, Shannon shows off her beautiful Día de los Muertos ofrenda. You should go take a peak and discover the significance behind several of the items Shannon used, such as in this picture.

Dia de Muertos offrenda

via Offerings to my departed

6 Comments

  1. Diana Tyler (la muse excentrique) ☕ November 12, 2018 at 1:48 pm

    Hey, hey, Kim! I miss you around here. I trust that you’re doing well on your end, though. 💙

    Reply
    1. K D November 12, 2018 at 4:36 pm

      Thanks so much for your message Diana. A little cold bug has invaded my home. Lol. Just this morning I was happy to send all three boys back off to school only to realise it’s caught me too!
      I hope you are doing much better than I am!

      Reply
      1. Diana Tyler (la muse excentrique) ☕ November 13, 2018 at 1:25 pm

        You’re welcome, Kim. I’m sorry to hear this, though. I hope you’re taking the necessary vitamins that you need and getting some rest in between. I’m a little fatigued, but I’m thankful to God for life. Take care. 💙🙂

      2. K D November 14, 2018 at 9:30 am

        A full day of rest yesterday. I can honestly say the doing nothing part had me very disoriented. Ah well. But feeling a bit brighter today. I hope you also get a chance for some rest!

      3. Diana Tyler (la muse excentrique) ☕ November 15, 2018 at 2:27 pm

        I’m glad to hear that you’re feeling much better! And yes, I actually got to rest when I got home last evening. Thank God!

      4. K D November 16, 2018 at 1:24 pm

        🙂 🙂

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