Day of the Dead Traditions
Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) occurs on the 1st and 2nd of November and can be traced back to indigenous peoples such as the Aztec and Maya. In the pre-Hispanic era, it was common to keep skulls as trophies and display them during the rituals to symbolize death and rebirth. While that is not an acceptable custom in today's world, there are a lot of other ways to celebrate the traditions of Dia de los Muertos.
During the Day of the Dead, people visit cemeteries and build private altars containing the departed's favorite foods and beverages, as well as photos and memorabilia, to encourage visits by their loved ones' souls. Celebrations can also take a lighter tone as humorous events and anecdotes about the departed are remembered.
Ofrendas (offerings) are put in homes—usually with foods such as pan de muerto ("bread of the dead"), sugar skulls, and beverages such as atole—to welcome the deceased. Some people believe the spirits of the dead eat the "spiritual essence" of the ofrenda food, so even though the celebrants eat the food after the festivities, they believe it lacks nutritional value. (Finally—calories that really don't count!)
During the Day of the Dead, people visit cemeteries and build private altars containing the departed's favorite foods and beverages, as well as photos and memorabilia, to encourage visits by their loved ones' souls. Celebrations can also take a lighter tone as humorous events and anecdotes about the departed are remembered.
Ofrendas (offerings) are put in homes—usually with foods such as pan de muerto ("bread of the dead"), sugar skulls, and beverages such as atole—to welcome the deceased. Some people believe the spirits of the dead eat the "spiritual essence" of the ofrenda food, so even though the celebrants eat the food after the festivities, they believe it lacks nutritional value. (Finally—calories that really don't count!)
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