{"id":5051770,"date":"2021-10-30T09:02:59","date_gmt":"2021-10-30T09:02:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/malatinonews.com\/?p=5051770"},"modified":"2021-10-30T09:02:59","modified_gmt":"2021-10-30T09:02:59","slug":"dia-de-muertos-a-cultural-celebration-dating-back-thousands-of-years-its-not-mexican-halloween","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/maln\/2021\/10\/30\/dia-de-muertos-a-cultural-celebration-dating-back-thousands-of-years-its-not-mexican-halloween\/","title":{"rendered":"D\u00eda de Muertos: A cultural celebration dating back thousands of years \u2014 it\u2019s not Mexican Halloween"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

D\u00eda de Muertos, or D\u00eda de los Muertos as it is called in the United States, is NOT Mexican Halloween nor is it anywhere closely related.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

D\u00eda de Muertos is celebrated throughout Mexico, and increasingly in the United States, on November 1 and 2. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2008, UNESCO named D\u00eda de Muertos an \u201cIntangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I searched for local events for D\u00eda de Muertos, announcements began popping up for a \u201cD\u00eda de los Muertos Party\u201d or \u201cD\u00eda de Muertos Celebration\u201d at bars. This is not only wrong, it\u2019s disgusting \u2014 an obvious marketing ploy to make money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Mexico and among Mexican families, D\u00eda de Muertos is the day when the departed return to coexist with the living and simply put, it\u2019s a beautiful tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But turning my heritage and cultural celebration into your excuse to have a party, get drunk and make money is not acceptable. Especially when it\u2019s apparent these businesses have NO <\/em>clue about the tradition and significance behind the celebration of Dia de Muertos. And it\u2019s obvious they don\u2019t care \u2014 they are simply looking to make a buck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to understand the significance of the day, its history must first be understood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mexica also known as the Aztecs, believed that the gods who would decide the fate of the departed were Mictecacihuatl and Mictlantecuhtli. They ruled Mictlan \u2014 the place of the dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mictlantecuhtli<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The celebration dates back to prehispanic times, thousands of years before the Spaniards set foot on what is now Mexico.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mictlan \u2014 the inframundo or underworld \u2014 consists of nine levels and the road is long and dangerous. The departed begin their journey to Mictlan by crossing a mighty river \u2014 the first level. But, to do this they must seek help from a Xoloitzuintle, or Xolo a Mexican hairless dog, which helps the departed cross the river and navigate the road to Mictlan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Nov. 1, the souls of children return and on Nov. 2 the adults return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mexican families will create altars, or ofendas, to remember their departed loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ofrenda<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

An altar must include items that are essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A glass of water. <\/strong>The water is to satisfy the thirst of the departed after such a long journey. And it provides them the strength to return in peace and purity<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Copal<\/strong>, or incense. Copal not only serves to clear the air of negative vibes but also to keep away the malignant or evil spirits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Papel Picado <\/strong>(cut paper). It represents air and also gives the altar a festive, colorful touch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cempasuchil<\/strong>, or Mexican marigold. The bright orange flowers are placed on the altar and often paths using the flowers are made leading from the door to the altar. Its aroma helps guide the departed loved one home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Calaveritas<\/strong>, or sugar skulls. These represent the departed.Families will often write the name of the loved one on the front of the skull.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Veladora<\/strong>s,<\/strong> candles. These represent hope and faith. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salt.<\/strong> It serves as a symbol of purification and it also helps keep the body of the departed intact as they make the journey to their loved ones and return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pan de Muerto<\/strong>. A special sweet bread made during October and November. It is said to represent the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food and drink.<\/strong> The foods and drinks the departed most enjoyed while alive are also placed on the altar. When they return, they are able to once again enjoy these foods. Most altars will include a glass of tequila or beer. It is also traditional to put a plate of fruit on the altar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photos of the departed. <\/strong>The photos are a way to remember our loved ones to whom the altar is dedicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n