Día de los Muertos was first practiced by theAztecs and the Toltecs thousands of yearsago. Death was not seen as the end of life,simply a new transition in life. Instead ofgrieving for the dead because they believedthe dead would be saddened, death wascelebrated. Scholars believe that Día de losMuertos now has influence from modernCatholicism as it was imposed on indigenouscustoms when it was brought to Mexico inthe 16th century.

Día de los Muertos, otherwise known as Day of the Dead, is a holiday that originated inMexico, but is also celebrated in South America and now parts of the United Stateswhere Latino families celebrate “the return” of their deceased relatives. This is a twoday celebration occurring from November 1st to November 2nd. These days encompassthe end of Halloween day, el Día de los Inocentes (day of the children), and Día de losMuertos. The belief is that the gates of heaven are opened and children are able torejoin their families on November 1st, while adults are able to rejoin their families onNovember 2nd.

Día de los Muertos

Depending on the family, location, etc. there aremany different rituals that are done during thistime. In many locations, families will visitgravesites of deceased family members, createalters for the dead, and leave various offerings.For instance, my family stated they would leaveflowers, create their loved ones favorite dishesor if they enjoyed an alcoholic drink, they wouldleave something, such as a Corona, or theirfavorite beer at their alter or gravesite. Familiesmay also light candles and set up a photo oftheir family members as well. Families will thencontinue to celebrate the life of the deceased,tell stories, and enjoy life.

Origin

Rituals

Beyond Sugar Skulls: The History and Culture of Dia de | PBS Education. (n.d.). Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://www.pbs.org/education/blog/beyond-sugar-skulls-the-history-and-culture-of-dia-de-los-muertos Dia de los Muertos | National Geographic Society. (n.d.). Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://www.nationalgeographic.org/media/dia-de-los-muertos/ Editors, H. com. (n.d.). Day of the Dead. HISTORY. Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/day-of-the-dead Top 10 things to know about the Day of the Dead. (n.d.). Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/north-america/mexico/top-ten-day-of-dead-mexico/