????Día de los Muertos
by Bailey Davidson
The Importance of Día de los Muertos
(Day of the Dead) Celebrations
As the leaves slowly begin to change colors and a slight chill fills the air; one thing becomes abundantly clear, fall is in the air. From people who are crowding Starbucks for their pumpkin spice lattes to those cuddling up at home with hot apple ciders, most are eager for a break from the harsh summer heat. As the new season creeps in so does one of the most beloved holidays, Halloween. While we all gather our costumes and ready ourselves for the masses of candy to come, there is another holiday on the horizon which brings its own air of excitement,
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
What exactly is Day of the Dead and when is it celebrated?
November 2nd is officially named Day of the Dead, however, the celebration begins on October 31st and continues through November 2nd. Day of the Dead is a celebration of the lives of loved ones lost. Traditionally, families will make ofrendas (offerings) with various items ranging from their loved ones favorite food, pictures, candles, etc. On November 1st or el Día de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocent/Children) tradition says that from November 1st until November 2nd the children’s spirits may return to their families during that day while the adult’s spirits may return on November 2nd for the day to their families. During this time the families play music, dance, and celebrate the lives of their loved ones that have passed. Day of the Dead festivities offer families an alternative from grieving their loved ones and to instead celebrate their lives and take this time to reconcile and be with the spirits of those they’ve lost. [1]
Where did Day of the Dead come from?
Day of the Dead originated in Mexico and dates back thousands of years to when the Aztecs and Nahua people occupied what is modern day Mexico. They believed that when someone dies they are transported to Chicunamictlán (land of the dead). After being transported, people would then endure years of challenges through nine different levels. Following the completion of the ninth level, people would be transported to Mictlán, or the spirits final resting place. The roots of Día de los Muertos can be found in the tradition of families leaving various foods, water, etc. to help their loved ones throughout their journeys; this earlier tradition took place around August.
Why is Day of the Day important?
Día de los Muertos is a celebration that focuses on family reunion and celebrating life after death. This holiday is not only embedded within the Mexican culture, but it is a time to remember and to spend time with your loved ones. This holiday is also important because it’s not just celebrated in Mexico, but all over the world from Spain to the United States; in California, Florida, Texas, and New Mexico Día de los Muertos is a time to celebrate everywhere.[2]
What can you find at the library about Día de los Muertos?
- Día de los Muertos by Ann Heinrichs call number: J394.266 (children’s book)
- I Remember Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story by Janice Levy call number: ESPANOL J E LEVY (children’s book)
- Coco by Malín Alegría call number: J E ALEGRIA (children’s book)
- The Latino Holiday Book: From Cinco de Mayo to Día de los Muertos by Valerie Menard call number: 394.26 MEN (adult nonfiction book)
[1] “Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos),” History, A&E Television Networks, September 24th2020, https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/day-of-the-dead
[2] “The Most Spirited Day of the Dead Celebrations in the United states,” Afar, Afar Media, Sarah Buder, October 14th 2019, https://www.afar.com/magazine/the-most-spirited-day-of-the-dead-celebrations-in-the-united-states
Image courtesy of Pixabay: Day of the Dead Paper