Families and friends who have gone ahead are being honored in Mexico during the Day of the Dead. It originated back in pre Hispanic period. Others may find it morbid but it is the other way around. This is because; it is not focused on death but on the celebration of life and its importance to each and everyone. There will be abundance of foods, you will hear music and see people dancing. They are doing this because they believe that their loved ones who have passed away will come back and enjoy with them. It is during this time that they will reminisce and bring back good old memories of their dead family members or friends.
It actually originated from the beliefs of the Aztec. They symbolize rebirth and death with skeletons and skulls. The Spaniards wanted to stop this when they have conquered them. They find it associated with paganism. They were not successful about it so to live up with the Catholic practice; instead of celebrating it in August, they move the celebration to November 1 and 2. This is to coincide with All Saints and All Souls Day. This celebration is deemed to be a celebration of continuing life.
This is very significant to the Mexican culture. It is their way of showing how much they cherish and value their loved ones. Although they are remembering the dead, they choose to celebrate it with feast, music and dances instead of mourning. For the kids who have gone ahead, the family and relatives will offer candies, their favorite toys, and will bring them gifts. There will be lighting of the candles that they consider as the light to brighten their way back home.
An altar is being prepared to give honor to the dead. They will set up an altar or a corner that will serve as their altar. In this altar you will find marigolds, Pan de Muerto, skull candies or sugar skulls, pastries and tequila for adults. These foods and other items such as pictures and those stuffs that remind them of the dead loved one are on the table covered with fabric. For those who have a bigger family, you will definitely see a bigger feast prepared.
The Day of the Dead is almost similar to Halloween it is because of the decorations that are being used. This involves the skull, candles, candies and skeletons. Another similarity is that, it is being celebrated near the 31st of October and people would have fun and dress up as well.
It actually originated from the beliefs of the Aztec. They symbolize rebirth and death with skeletons and skulls. The Spaniards wanted to stop this when they have conquered them. They find it associated with paganism. They were not successful about it so to live up with the Catholic practice; instead of celebrating it in August, they move the celebration to November 1 and 2. This is to coincide with All Saints and All Souls Day. This celebration is deemed to be a celebration of continuing life.
This is very significant to the Mexican culture. It is their way of showing how much they cherish and value their loved ones. Although they are remembering the dead, they choose to celebrate it with feast, music and dances instead of mourning. For the kids who have gone ahead, the family and relatives will offer candies, their favorite toys, and will bring them gifts. There will be lighting of the candles that they consider as the light to brighten their way back home.
An altar is being prepared to give honor to the dead. They will set up an altar or a corner that will serve as their altar. In this altar you will find marigolds, Pan de Muerto, skull candies or sugar skulls, pastries and tequila for adults. These foods and other items such as pictures and those stuffs that remind them of the dead loved one are on the table covered with fabric. For those who have a bigger family, you will definitely see a bigger feast prepared.
The Day of the Dead is almost similar to Halloween it is because of the decorations that are being used. This involves the skull, candles, candies and skeletons. Another similarity is that, it is being celebrated near the 31st of October and people would have fun and dress up as well.
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