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Introduction |
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Site Map We need volunteers to finalize translations of Dia de los Muertos en Español. If interested, please email cmarkello@uh.edu |
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Marigolds are sold in the markets for Dia de los Muertos Photo Credit: Pernel S. Thyseldew
Calavera Catrina, plaster, paint and glitter Courtesy of Corazon |
Why learn about Day of the Dead?Day of the Dead promotes cultural awareness of Mexican folk art practices associated with the celebration. This community and family tradition celebrates family, life, and community. Specific practices for celebrating Day of the Dead vary from community to community. However there are some common practices central to the celebration. What is Day of the Dead? Every year, according to Mexican folk tradition, the living honor the return of the souls of dead family and friends on November 1 and November 2. The first of November is reserved for the return of departed children and the second for adults. The living celebrate the return of the dead with elaborate home altars and graveside arrangements composed of the deceased’s favorite foods and keepsakes. Is Day of the Dead like Halloween? No, Day of the Dead is not a scary or gruesome event. Witches, monsters, goblins, and demons are ONLY associated with Halloween. In contrast, Day of the Dead honors and celebrates the deceased. “It is a uniquely Indo-Hispanic custom that demonstrates a strong sense of love and respect for one’s ancestors; celebrates the continuance of life, family relationships, community solidarity; and even finds humor after death—all positive concepts!” (Salinas, Bobbi. Indo-Hispanic Folk Art Traditions II. Michigan : Piñata Publications, 1988) Does Day of the Dead honor death? No, Day of the Dead does not honor death, but the memory and the souls of the dearly departed. Are retablos traditionally associated with Day of the Dead? Day of the Dead altars can contain a variety of items, such as marigolds, food, beverages, candles, photographs, and keepsakes. Although altars normally hold specific items, the composition of the altar is usually determined today by its caretakers. Images of saints can be included within this composition. Retablos are not specifically created for Day of the Dead altars. What is the relationship between All Souls /All Saints Day and Mexico's Day of the Dead? Both set aside a day for remembering loved ones who have passed away. The Mexican Day of the Dead celebration differs from the European tradition of All Soulsy/All Saints Day because it is a complex mix of pre-Hispanic and Hispanic/European traditions. Those observing Day of the Dead believe their departed family members return to Earth for the day. In the eyes of a Mexican, it is not a somber occasion, but a time to celebrate. Here are some links to further clarify Day of the Dead traditions: Common misconceptions about Day of the Dead What do Mexicans celebrate on the "Day of the Dead?" Article and images by Salvador, R.J. (2003)
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A Dia de los Muertos altar in Santiago Pinotepa Nacionál Photo Credit: Pernel S. Thyseldew
Copal in an incense burner Courtesy of Corazon |
Altars or ofrendas are built by families and communities to honor the dead. These altars reflect family and community traditions and are rooted in the practices of both pre-Hispanic people and Spanish Catholics. The altar can be thought of as a connection between the world of the living and the dead; a time of reunion for families. The manner and style of the altar depends on the traditions of the region and on the wealth of the family. The construction of an altar can be costly because everything, including the dishes the food is served on, must be new. The types of foods and gifts offered for Day of the Dead are chosen to appeal to the specific tastes of those being honored. The living honor the return of the dead with elaborate home altars and graveside arrangements of the deceased's favorite foods and keepsakes. The items are chosen to attract the visiting soul and reflect tastes enjoyed in life. Photographs of the deceased will be placed on the altar along with pictures of saints to help protect the returning soul on its journey back to the afterworld. Decorations may include flowers, skulls and skeletons, lyres, and tombstones. Burning candles and an incense called copal are also placed on the altar to attract returning souls.
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 Preparing tamales for Day of the Dead Offerings Photo Credit: Pernel S. Thyseldew |
Food and drink offerings are placed on altars to appeal to the returning soul. The food and drink are thought to help sustain the visiting soul on its journey to and from the living world. Items such as sweet bread loaves or panes de muerto, corn cooked with milk or water known as atole, chicken in a sauce of chocolate and chile called mole and sesame seeds, fruit, tomales, soft drinks, and fresh water. Altars for children or angelitos have the child's tastes in mind. Often including a bowl of milk, chocolate, cakes or mamónes, and toys are set out as offerings.
Panes de muerto Photo credit: Lawndale Art Center |
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Marigolds and Cockscomb flowers symbolize the fragility of life
Marigold Petals decorate a grave site Photo Credits: Pernel S. Thyseldew
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Yellow Marigolds or Cempasúchil or other flowers such as the purple Cockscomb or Mano de León are sold in the markets for decorating altars and gravesites. Sometimes petals are sprinkled to the doorway of the home and on the way to the cemetary to help guide the returning souls. The smell of the Marigold is strong and is sometimes referred to as the "smell of death". The Marigold is also associated with Xochiquetzal (soh-chee-ket’-sahl), the Toltec goddess of pre-Columbian times known as the guardian of the graves. In addition to the purple Cockscombs, other flowers suchs as baby's breath, white amaryllis, and wild purple orchids are also offered. These flowers are known as the "flowers of the souls". In some towns, flower wreaths, known as "wreaths of memory" are placed at the head and foot of the grave.
Panoramic view of dawn in the cemetary
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Cleaning a gravesite in preparation for Day of the Dead Preparing for a procession to the cemetary Photo Credits: Pernel S. Thyseldew |
Family members make processions to the cemetery bringing offerings and decorations to the gravesites. Once at the grave, families keep watch all night, lighting candles to guide the souls. Meanwhile, musicians play celebratory music, while priests offer blessings. At dawn families and friends depart for home to share another meal together. Even those who have died and have no family or friends to honor them are remembered through offerings made on a raised or tiered platform called a catafalque at the cemetery.
A band playing at the cemetary |
Diego Rivera Fresco in Mexico City Mark Vallen painting influenced by Day of the Dead in Los Angelos, California "The Virgin of Guadelupe" by Ann Murdy
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Artwork Influenced by Day of the Dead Click the links to the right to view artists who have created work influenced by day of the dead.
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Houston artist Wendy Wagner's paintings are inspired by Day of the Dead traditions. Here are two of her paintings. Sugar Ghosts, Wendy Wagner
Little Sugar, Wendy Wagner |
