La Dia de Los Muertos is celebrated in Mexico on November 1st and 2nd and is a celebration of both life and death. On November 1st, the death of small children, los angelitos, is commemorated. The next day, November 2nd, is one the death of adults is remembered. This celebration represents a blend of cultures from both pre-Hispanic times in Mexico and the Roman Catholic traditions introduced into the society with the Spanish Conquest. The main symbol of the festival is the skull, which comes from the Aztec’s god of death.
During this celebration, people put out offerings (usually food) to attract the souls of the dead. Some families even make alters for the dead and place their offerings there along with pillows and blankets. Deceased loved ones are expected to visit the homes of their families during La Dia de Los Muertos, which is why people erect alters with food and other things to make the ghosts of their loved ones welcome. Other objects displayed on the altar for the spirits may include alcohol, cigarettes, and a washbasin and hand towel. People also decorate the graves of those they have lost.
Living adults drink a lot of alcohol for this celebration, particularly tequila, which may be used to toast the dead. Some of the delicacies of this celebration are el pan del muerto and Calabaza en Tacha.
Sources:
http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/muertos.html
http://www.inside-mexico.com/featuredead.htm
http://farstrider.net/Mexico/Muertos/index.htm
http://www.elmonterey.com/mexicanculture/festivals.aspx#diadelosmuertos
1 comment:
nice post!
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