Alisha Dattoo and Jaylen Petty
Around the beginning of November, many people see sugar skull decor in many places and assume that they are there for Halloween. However, this is not usually the case. Instead, the skull decor, usually brightly colored and vibrant, is placed out for the two-day celebration known as Day of the Dead (Dia De Los Muertos). The holiday begins on the evening of October 31 (Halloween) and continues through November 1st and 2nd.
This cultural holiday with Mexican roots brings the living and the dead together, honoring the ancestors of Mexican families. Families pay tribute to their deceased loved ones by making ofrendas, or offerings. These are placed in households and in graveyards where people are burried. Bright yellow marigold flowers, pictures of the deceased, and the person being honored’s favorite foods and beverages are used to decorate these shrines.
During Dia de los Muertos, people believe that the souls of the dead come back to Earth to see their loved ones. Families come together at burial sites, exchanging anecdotes and reminiscing while indulging in authentic Mexican cuisine and music. The ambiance is vibrant and celebratory, adorned with marigolds, sugar skulls, and vibrant decorations. This occasion is an opportunity to honor and commemorate the lives of the departed, ensuring their memory lives on.
According to Mexican tradition, it is believed that on November 1st, the spirits of children can rejoin their families for 24 hours. On November 2nd, the spirits of adults can also rejoin their families, as well.
In addition to the act of remembering their loved ones, Dia de los Muertos also functions as a symbolic reminder of the continuous cycle of life and death. It imparts upon us the value of accepting the impermanence of existence and discovering magnificence in the progression of time. By partaking in this commemoration, families and communities fortify their connections and discover solace in the belief that their ancestors persist in guiding and safeguarding them.
Dia de los Muertos is not a period of mourning, but rather a moment of happiness, celebration, and an expression of affection towards those who have departed.