This tradition began 3,000 years ago, amongst the Aztec, Toltec, and Mayans, in which death and the dead were seen as a natural part of life. Therefore, rather than mourn their loved ones, they believed that they should be honored and celebrated.
As a result, many people visit cemeteries in Mexico and Central America, leave orange marigolds, tamales, pan de Muerto, candied pumpkins, drink, decorate + freshly repaint the graves, and spend time their presence, deceased friends and family members. In some towns and cities throughout this region, people dress up as Catrina/o's (Elegant skulls) with delicate hand-drawn face paintings and colorful dresses, hold parades and parties, sing and dance, and make offerings to lost loved ones. In addition, friends and family make beautiful, decorated altars (called ofrendas or offerings, in English) in their homes to welcome the spirits.
A perfect representation of this tradition in pop culture is seen in the beloved movie Coco. The film is about a boy, Miguel, who is so passionate about music despite his family's ban on music that he is willing to do anything to be like his idol Ernesto de La Cruz – including breaking into his grave and stealing his guitar. After breaking in, he finds himself in the colorful Land of the Dead and gets to meet family members who have passed on to the afterlife. Throughout this course, the audience has a visual representation of what Dia de Los Muertos is.Lastly, although our loved ones have passed on to the afterlife, one thing is certain: they will never be forgotten and always remain in our hearts.
Feliz Dia de Los Muertos!
References:
https://movies.disney.com/coco
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/top-ten-day-of-dead-mexico
https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a37259063/day-of-the-dead-facts-history/
Do you celebrate Day of the Dead? If so, what is you favorite part? Let us know in the comments below.
