When is Dia de los Muertos celebrated?

The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated, which focuses on gathering the family and friends to pray and and give tribute to the souls of the departed. Although it is mainly celebrated by Mexican heritage, it has grown in popularity and embraced by many.

November 1st honors deceased children and infants where as deceased adults are honored on November 2nd. This is indicated by generally referring to November 1st mainly as “Día de los Inocentes” (Day of the Innocents) but also as “Día de los Angelitos” (Day of the Little Angels) and November 2nd as “Día de los Muertos” or “Día de los Difuntos” (Day of the Dead).

What is the difference between Halloween and Day of the Dead?

Halloween is based on the medieval European Wheel of the Year; the pause between the last day of harvest and the beginning of winter (when no food grows). Halloween is the Celtic New Year when the veil between the spirit world and the living flesh world is thinnest. Contact is made with the spirits of departed loved ones as sources of guidance and wisdom.

The Day of the Dead (Dia De Los Muertos) is a uniquely Indo-Hispanic custom that demonstrates a sense of love and respect for ancestors. It celebrates the continuance of life, family, relationships and community solidarity; and even finds humor after death.

Why do they use skeletons?

Dia De Los Muertos represents the spirit, which lives on. Since death comes to all humans, rich or poor and to all races, the figurines that represent all walks of life: doctors, mothers, prostitutes, farmers, artists, hairstylists and others. Skeletal images are often happy and humorous, very life like, unlike the frightening images of Halloween that commercialism has created.

Children are taught not to fear death because it is inevitable. Children learn to make, eat, and play with articles of death at an early age. Toys are used as offerings dedicated to dead children. They are made with humor (often satirical), affection, charm, and much glitter and tinsel. Most are ephemeral. In this sense, “death” becomes familiar.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS