Day of the Dead: Everything you need to know about the traditions
As October draws to a close, what could be more appropriate than to discuss the most famous of Mexican celebrations, namely the Day of the Dead? Indeed, while writing our last blog post about Mexican holidays, we realized that this newspaper did not yet contain any articles about the famous "Dia de los Muertos." And yet, the subject is far from boring, as we will see in the next few paragraphs!
Let's get straight to the point: although it takes place at the same time, the Day of the Dead is different from Halloween and is closer to All Saints' Day, as it has a religious and traditional dimension aimed at commemorating the deceased within families. There's a small nuance, however: in Mexico, this celebration takes place in a particularly joyful and friendly atmosphere. It's a warm moment of sharing that allows us to remember those who have passed away during a given period. And by the way, do you know when the Day of the Dead takes place?
Contrary to what we might think with our very French bias, it does not take place on October 31st like Halloween but on November 1st and 2nd. This first day of the month is dedicated to deceased children while the second is dedicated to adults. In some regions, however, celebrations can extend throughout the week. So be sure to check if you plan to go to Mexico during this time!
If you're wondering about the origins of this holiday, you should know that they are plural. Indeed, it is composed of a mixture of the rites of pre-Columbian civilizations and the Catholic rites spread by Europeans during the Spanish conquest. Nevertheless, the reason for this celebration draws its source from a positive interpretation of death, specific to pre-Hispanic cultures for whom mourning was considered an irreverent stance towards the deceased. Because it is by celebrating them with joy that we invite them to peacefully and punctually rejoin the world of the living.
In this article, we'll focus on this last point: how Mexicans attract their deceased loved ones during the Day of the Dead, and what symbolism do they place behind it all? Enjoy reading!
- A strong image: La Catrina
If you're unfamiliar with Mexican culture, chances are you're already familiar with it. With her flower crown, skull makeup, and intricately detailed dress, the character of La Catrina is now famous far beyond Mexico's borders. Over the decades, she has become an iconic commercial image, conveying a powerful message that is dear to the Mexican people...
In the 19th century, José Guadalupe Posada chose to illustrate Mexican women adopting the attire of wealthy European women and thus denying their origins. It was a way for him to mock this attitude, which he considered ridiculous, since whatever our appearance, we all have the same skeleton. Do you understand the connection with the Day of the Dead? ;)
At the time, the illustration unfortunately did not make Posada a famous man and it was not until 1947 that Diego Rivera, Mexico's most famous painter, depicted La Catrina in a majestic work, thus giving him his modern recognition.
- The flower of the dead: the marigold (or cempas úchil)
What's India doing in an article about Mexico? Imagine that these two countries, although far apart, share the same interest in this voluminous orange flower. In Mexico, pre-Columbian civilizations already used it to celebrate the dead, believing it to be a gift from the sun god.
Today, Mexicans continue this ritual, lining graves and altars with flowers to attract the dead with their delicate scent. Cemeteries thus become colorful places where people gather throughout the night, sharing food and playing music. In Mexico, death is a celebration!
- The fragility of life: papel p icado
While it's a perfect activity to keep your kids busy on Kids Wednesdays , the technique of cutting tissue paper is considered a popular art in Mexico. Called "papel picado," this skill conveys the ephemeral through its composition: cut-out papers gathered into a garland that is hung in the streets. It is therefore used during the Day of the Dead to represent the wind and the element "air," since the four elements are suggested during the celebrations!
The majority of papel picado garlands are now manufactured industrially, however, there are still artisanal manufacturing workshops, and you know how important this detail is to us at Mapache ;)
The paper rectangles depict scenes from life, and each color has a meaning. They are used on the Day of the Dead, but also for other types of celebrations such as national holidays or birthdays.
- Between life and death: calaveras and calaveritas
These skulls are among the most common offerings placed by Mexicans during the celebration. These skulls appear everywhere and in all forms: ceramic or sugar, they symbolize death but also life thanks to their colorful decorations. Under the ceramic ones, the name of the deceased is even written so that they know this offering is intended for them.
Although these objects may seem a bit dark to us, what they suggest is positive in that they invite us to approach death lightly, without taking it too seriously. For in the eyes of Mexicans, it is simply part of a cycle, just like life.
- A source of energy: the bread of the dead and other foods
When you're embarking on a long and arduous journey, you wouldn't say no to a delicious meal upon arrival, would you? For the Day of the Dead, it's the same principle! It is considered that the journey of the deceased to the world of the living deserves a little refueling, which is why Mexicans place drinks and dishes on the altar that were
This small round bun is actually a brioche flavored with orange blossom, often eaten with hot chocolate. This gentle description contrasts with its somewhat macabre appearance, since its shape suggests a skull and bones. Literally, we eat death before it eats us: yet another way of playing with the dark fate that awaits us.
This tradition has its origins in a much less pleasant pre-Columbian rite, which consisted of offering the hearts (still beating, of course) of sacrificed young girls to the dead. When the Spanish arrived, it was decided that the heart would be replaced by a pretty little bun in order to spare a lot of young girls!
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We hope this article has helped you learn more about this fascinating celebration and don't forget to subscribe onInstagram to be notified of new articles published here!
