Day of The Dead Celebrations
The answer is …
An Interview with Mrs. Keller about Día de los Muertos and the celebrations of the holiday.
1.What specifically is Day of the Dead?
Día de los Muertos or Day of the Death is a Mexican Celebration to honor our loved ones that passed away. We reminisce about them, decorate with altars where we display their pictures and we put the food they used o like, flowers, papel picado (colorful tissue paper cut with several designs, candles, etc. We pray for them and listen to music. We celebrate their lives. People believe that once a year, the spirits of our family members that passed away will come and visit us.The celebration is a blend of religious and native customs/traditions (Aztecs).
2. Where and when did it originate?
It was originated in Mexico, and the celebrations started over 3,000 years ago (Aztecs). Other Hispanic countries have adopted the celebrations and is also becoming popular in the USA.
3. What are some of the celebrations’ rituals and how did they come to be?
Some celebrations/ rituals include cleaning tombs at the cemeteries and decorate them with flowers, candles, food, etc. Also, “altares” are built at homes and schools using flowers, fruit, candles, papel picado, seeds, skeletons, food, toys and candy for the spirits of the children that are called “angelitos” (little angels), etc. Music is played in Cemeteries, there are parades and people wear customs (skeletons and “La Catrina” representing the death lady is very popular).
4. How long is the duration of the celebration and does each day signify something different?
On November 1st the Catholic Church celebrates “All Saints Day” and on Nov. 2 is “All Souls Day”. So both days are celebrated
5. What are some traditional meals that people are accustomed to making?
“Pan de Muerto” or Breath of the death is a seasonal and special bread baked for this Holiday. “Mole” is also cooked and very popular, it is made with chicken or turkey and is a special “salsa” made with hot peppers, chocolate, bread and several other spices. Also, tamales are made and any other foods and beverages that our loved ones that passed away used to enjoy when they were alive with us.
6.What is the significance of the sugar skulls and what role do they play in the celebrations?
The sugar skulls are found everywhere and we can personalize them with any names. They are colorful and are made to capture the joy and spirit of the loved ones that passed away. Again, we celebrate the life of our loved ones. We use them to decorate and also are edible, candy for the children.
7. Though associated with the passing of loved ones, is Day of the Dead a sad celebration?
No, Día de los Muertos is not sad, on the contrary is a colorful celebration, we remember what our loved ones used to say, eat, their attitude towards life and share their memories, stories, food, music, etc. The Mexican embrace and honor our death. It is a very particular and different approach.
