The bright orange marigolds line the streets, candles flicker, and people welcome back the souls of loved ones who have passed. From Nov. 1-2, families get together to honor and remember their loved ones.
Around Mexico and other parts of Latin America, it’s a belief that once a year, the spirits of the dead return to visit their families. The tradition was believed to have been established a thousand years ago, when the Aztecs and other Indigenous people of Mexico thought that death was a part of natural life. They believed the dead should not be feared but celebrated.
Between 1521-1591, the Spanish led by Herán Cortés, as reported by History.com. conquered the Aztec Empire. While it was a part of the Spanish Empire, Spain brought Catholicism to Mexico. Catholicism is a Christian religion that worships one God and follows the teachings of Jesus Christ, led by the Pope. Catholics also believe in saints and life after death.
Some Aztecs and Indigenous people held rituals to honor Michtecacihuatl, known as “lady of the dead.”
Learn Religions describes her as “shown with a skeletal face, a serpent skirt, and an open jaw. Her husband Mictlantecuhtli ruled over the land of Mictlan, the lowest level of the underworld where the dead reside.”
Long before Día de los Muertos became what it is today, the Aztecs had rituals to honor the dead, and Catholics also celebrated with days called “All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day.” All Saints Day is observed on Nov. 1, honoring all the ones who are celebrating in heaven, while on Nov. 2, All Souls Day is a day of prayer for those still on their way to heaven with prayers and Catholic symbols.
When Catholicism arrived, both traditions blended into the holiday that is today.
Today, this celebration includes altars called ofrendas, public festivals, parades, and offering the favorite food of those who have passed. People also dress up in traditional costumes or paint their faces as skulls.
Far from the rituals, each symbol used during the holiday carries a special meaning that helps honor and guide the spirits. According to National Geographic, “In towns and cities throughout Mexico, revelers don funky makeup and costumes, hold parades and parties… and make offerings to lost loved ones.”
There are bright orange and yellow flowers that people place to create a petal path leading from the street to the altar to help guide the spirits home. Those flowers are called Marigolds. People also use candles on the altars; those candles are there to represent faith and hope, each one representing a soul. As well as Calaveras or Sugar Skulls, which are supposed to show that life is sweet and that death isn’t something to be scared of.
To decorate the altars more and make them more personal, family members add pictures of loved ones to honor them. In Mexico and other Hispanic countries, they decorate the streets with Papel Picado, colorful paper banners with designs cut into them. It shows the vulnerability of life, as well as the connection between life and death.
Beyond local celebrations, Día de los Muertos has influenced films that introduce its traditions and stories to people around the world. For example, the film Coco. Coco is a film from Pixar Animation Studios that was released on Nov. 22, 2017. This film has gained popularity for its accurate portrayal of Día de los Muertos and the heartfelt story it tells.
Coco’s storyline follows a young boy named Miguel and his dreams to become a musician, even though his family has banned music for the past and future generations. On Día de los Muertos, Miguel travels to the land of the dead, where he meets a dog named Dante. Dante accompanies Miguel on his journey through the land of the dead as he looks for his family to get answers on why they dislike music.
During the trip, Dante never leaves Miguel. Dante is like a spirit animal to Miguel, who is in the land of the dead. American Indian describes, “According to Mexican (Aztec) stories, most humans would have to travel through eight levels of the underworld before arriving at the last level, where they would find their final resting place… Xolos were a gift to humans to guard them in life and guide them in the afterlife.” Dante is a Xoloitzuintli dog often called Xolo.
In Mexican culture, Xolos are thought to guide souls through the afterlife, and Dante is one of those dogs. Throughout the movie, Miguel learns the importance of family and remembering loved ones.
The movie portrays the traditions Mexico has for El Día de los Muertos, giving viewers around the world a peek into the holiday.
Today, Día de los Muertos is still celebrated as a time of love, remembrance, and the connection between past and future generations. It allows families to celebrate the lives of those who came before them. It’s more than just a holiday; it is a reminder that even in death, love remains eternal and that by honoring the past, people keep their culture and the spirit of their loved ones alive.
