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=The How and Why of //Day of the Dead//=

//El día de los muertos// (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2 of each year, in conjunction with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. It is not, as some assume, "Mexican Halloween"; instead of approaching death as something to be feared, it is embraced, and generally the observance is full of joy.

While its origins are uncertain, the holiday was most notably observed by the Aztecs, who celebrated it for an entire month, starting near the end of July or the beginning of August. The festival appeared to "mock" death, with its colorful celebrations, festive atmosphere, and creative artwork. It was dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl - the "Lady of the Dead", and to an extent Huitzilopochtli - the god of war.

Shortly after Hernan Cortez's arrival in 1519 and the ensuing Spanish conquest of Latin America, the dominating Roman Catholicism spurred the conquerors to convert as many natives as possible to Christianity. Along with this mission came a push to eradicate the holiday. They were not successful in doing so, but it was shortened considerably and made to correspond with the above mentioned Catholic celebrations. It has not lost its color, its spirit or its joyfulness, however, and to this day one can go to Mexico at the beginning of November and see a true living art form in cemeteries around the country.

//El día de los muertos// is celebrated with the belief that the souls of deceased family and friends return to visit those from whom they have departed. Days before the holiday, families will spend an incredible amount of time cleaning and decorating the graves in preparation for the loved one's arrival. In addition, families build elaborate //ofrendas//, or altars, to commemorate the dead. It is not uncommon for celebrants to set out pictures, things the deceased enjoyed in life, and his or her favorite foods and/or drinks for the departed soul to enjoy.

Traditionally, the souls of deceased children arrive on November 1 (All Saints' Day), and the souls of departed adults return on November 2 (All Souls' Day). Those who have lost children will visit the grave on the evening of October 31st, celebrate at their homes on November 1, then return to the grave that evening to "escort" the spirit of the dead back to the grave. November 2 is generally spent at the gravesite, and is concluded with an evening meal.

To this day, the tradition still holds strong, especially in provinces such as Michoacán. However, its continuation does appear to be threatened - not necessarily by religious or cultural forces, but by tourism. While it financially helps those who set up markets that sell some of the artistic or culinary goods associated with the holiday, it also brings those intent on using the celebration as an excuse to party and get drunk throughout the night, effectively disrupting the rituals for those who take it seriously.

[|Traditions and Projects - DIY Life] [|Origin of Day of the Dead] [|The Days of the Dead] [|Day of the Dead - GoMexico] [|Indigenous People Wouldn't Let "Day of the Dead" Die] [|Día de muertos - is it dying?]