In a heartwarming and culturally enriching event, the district’s Donaldson Administrative Building staff recently came together to celebrate Día de los Muertos, also known as the ‘Day of the Dead.’ This captivating celebration, steeped in ancient Aztec traditions, pays homage to the departed souls and acknowledges the profound cycle of life and death. While Día de los Muertos is most prominently celebrated in Mexico, its influence extends far beyond, unifying communities in the spirit of remembrance and love.
Origins of Day of the Dead
The genesis of Día de los Muertos can be traced back to the native peoples of what is now Mexico and Central America. The Aztecs, Mayans, Olmecs, and Toltecs held diverse traditions, but they shared a common belief in the continuation of life beyond death, intricately connected to nature’s unending cycle. It was this reverence for life’s eternal flow that laid the foundation for the modern celebration.
With the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century came the infusion of Catholic traditions, including All Saints Day and All Souls Day. The indigenous traditions and the Spanish Catholic rituals intermingled, eventually giving rise to the vibrant and unique celebration known as Día de los Muertos.
Day of the Dead Today
In contemporary times, Día de los Muertos spans two days, each with its own focus. November 1 is dedicated to honoring the departed children and is often referred to as ‘Día de los angelitos’ or ‘Day of the Little Angels.’ On November 2, the celebration shifts to honor the adults who have passed away.
The preparations for this heartfelt event commence several days in advance, not only in Mexico but also in Central America, South America, and other regions where Día de los Muertos holds significance. Families diligently clean the gravesites of their loved ones and their homes. They lovingly prepare the favorite foods of the departed, such as ‘pan de muertos’ (bread of the dead). Homes are adorned with ‘ofrendas’ – altars decorated with vibrant flowers, photographs of deceased family members, and offerings to beckon the spirits of the departed.
Moreover, at the gravesites, families leave offerings and decorate, believing that the spirits of their loved ones will return on this special day. It’s a belief held dear, and in some places, families spend the entire night in cemeteries, singing and dining in celebration of the spiritual return of their cherished departed ones.
Calaveras, once symbolizing death and rebirth, are now central to the celebrations. These intricate and colorful skull representations are often crafted from sugar or clay. In Mexico’s towns and cities, people don makeup and costumes, transforming themselves into ‘calaveras’ or skeletons, often dressed elegantly as ‘catrinas.’ Festive parades and parties light up the streets.
In regional Día De Los Muertos celebrations, you might find people wearing wooden skull masks known as ‘calacas’ and engaging in lively dances to honor their ancestors. Día de los Muertos is a festival that bursts with life, color, and the joy of embracing the memories of cherished family members and friends who have passed away.