Los Muertos Tradition
Días de los Muertos, is a three day event where people show spiritual gratitude to their deceased loved ones. Individuals roam the streets in various costumes with painted faces to resemble skulls. While currently most common in Mexico, 3,000 years ago this ritual appeared in the Aztec culture. I chose this topic because I find this a very interesting part of Mexican culture. It is relevant to me considering that this event occurs every year, and is recognized worldwide.
Días de los Muertos is a very unique tradition. While reading newsweek, “What is day of the dead? How to celebrate Dia de los Muertos without being offensive” I found some interesting finds. According to the article, this holiday is “more about sharing funny anecdotes and celebrating the life of those who have died rather than mourning.” Unlike other cultures, this event is more of a party than a funeral. People head to the cemeteries where their loved ones rest, and create altars to place their offerings. The article also said that “the Mexican holiday 's religious and cultural roots make it a trickier event for outsiders.” Non-Mexicans do not always understand the significance of this event, and therefore usually do not partake in it.
Sugar skulls, or alfeñiques are commonly used as offerings for the altars of the dead. These skulls are
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According to National Geographic, “Top 10 Things to Know About the Day of the Dead,” Mexican tradition believes that the deceased “work up a mighty hunger and thirst traveling from the spirit world back to the realm of the living.” To compensate for this journey, one will make their loved one’s favorite dish. Pan de Muerto, is a sweet bread particularly made for Dias de los Muertos, that is decorated with seeds and dough to form skulls and bones. The article mentions that “The bones might be arranged in a circle, as in the circle of life.” Other important foods on this day are tamales, mole, and
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623 Words | 3 PagesTraditional sugar skulls are made from a granulated white sugar mixture that is pressed into special skull molds. The sugar mixture is allowed to dry and then the sugar skull is decorated with icing, feathers, colored foil and more. Dia de los Muertos is November 1st and 2nd. Smaller skulls are placed on the ofrenda on November 1st to represent the children who have deceased. On November 2nd they are replaced by larger, more ornate skulls which represent the adults.
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