History and Meaning of Day of the Dead

Mexican culture recognizes death as an implicit consequence of life. As in pre-Hispanic times it is seen as the seed of life, a passage to a more authentic existence. Death is embraced in a friendly way, but the Mexican relationship with death is full of subtle irony and mockery. From an early age children make, play with and eat candy skulls and skeletons. Skeleton toys are for both the living and the dead and are used to adorn the offerings for dead children. This may be one reason for the healthy acceptance of death as part of the cycle of life in Mexican culture. Despite the humor that mocks death during this time of year, there is a strong sense of respect for the people’s ancestors.

This is particularly so in rural areas with indigenous peoples, where preparations and anticipation of this event are a major preoccupation much of the year. The festival is essentially a private family feast. Although it has a very colorful and festive public aspect at the community level, the core of the celebration takes place from October 31 to November 2, with the extended family. November first is All Saints Day when little dead children are honored, and November second is All Souls Day commemorating the souls of all the faithfully departed. The manner of celebration varies by region, as some families wait in their homes for the arrival of the spirits while others spend the night picnicking in the cemetery (or pantheon) by candlelight.

Whether at home or in the cemetery, one of the most important aspects of the celebration is that of the family "offering" or offrenda. Offrendas may take place in family homes, in the cemetery, or both. Offrendas are usually decorated with flowers (usually cempazuchiles, a type of marigold), palm leaves, fruits, or other regional ornaments such as tin or paper skeletons. Also present are usually photographs of departed loved ones, figures of saints, favorite foods, personal items, fresh baked bread, sugar skulls or toy skeletons. Copol incense burns to attract dead loved ones and clear the air of any bad spirits that might be present.