The Day of the Dead is celebrated in both public and private spaces. It is most often celebrated in homes and graveyards. Day of the Dead customs in Mexico vary from town to town, and when celebrated abroad it also takes on its own unique flair in each community. It is usually a combination of rituals and introspection that ultimately takes on a joyous tone. The major feature of Day of the Dead decorations is skeletons.
It is a day that is set aside to remember and honor those who have died, according to the University of New Mexico. That day represents the day before Lent and is celebrated as well. Another notable day is September 16th, which marks Cinco de Mayo the day the Mexican Military had a victory over the French in 1862. Cinco de Mayo is also celebrated in the United States more than it is in Mexico. The Mexican culture is very diverse and has a long-standing history.
However, many people have adapted some distinct cultural traditions into the worship and celebration of this religion. For example, the holiday “Dia de los Muertos”, or “Day of the Dead”, is a general combination of the European tradition of praise and celebration of past lives with some Native Mexican customs like shrines adorned with flowers and
Dia de los muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated on November 2. This day is dedicated to honor and remember a family member and or a friend that has passed away. There altars are decorated with flowers, a picture of the person deceased, fruit, and food. It is a festive tradition which focuses on celebrating the life of those who have passed away. Posadas is a nine day celebration with the origin of Spain; it starts from December 16 to December 24, on evenings (about 8 or 10 pm).
Day of the Dead is not only a celebration; it is also has a history and a perspective. All Saints Day (November 1st) focuses attention and prayers for the children on who have died. All Souls Day (November 2nd) welcomes the souls of all adults who have passed to be with their families on this night. During Day of the Dead, family members and friends visit gravesites of their loved ones to pull weeds, clean debris, and decorating them with the loved one’s favorite trinkets, food, and drinks. They also create alters for their loved ones.
Oral history is a major aspect on the Mexican culture, which contributes to the truth of how history in the United States actually happened. Many stories embody the cultural aspects of Mexican-Americans and their struggles with living in a discriminatory society. Stories like With
Mexico is very nationalistic, mexicans take lots of pride of its long history & traditions.Americans are very patriotic, taking pride in “American way of life”.Also stated in Zimmerman's article . All of these aspects play a role in the structure & delivery of the Mexican culture speech methods.The American Culture of speech possesses many similarities as well as differences from the Mexican culture. As you can probably understand a culture's values, history, and background affect how the norms of the speakers . Citations: Olvera, A. (2015, October 3).
Samuel Huntington’s article The Hispanic Challenge argues that Hispanics, specifically Mexicans, are not true American citizens. According to Huntington, Americans are people who believe in the American creed. However, he believes this creed is being threatened. For some time now, large influxes of Hispanic immigrants have been coming to the US and have brought their own culture with them. The writer of Speaking in Tongues, Gloria Anzaldua, believes that Hispanics have the right to hold onto their culture in America.
As a little kid my parents took me to many parties with Mexican music playing in the background and I never really enjoyed it like my parents did dancing around. But little by little as I was growing up I adjusted towards the Mexican culture and adapted the food, music, culture and the workmanship. Mexican culture taught me that my education came first, it also toughened me up when I started working and doing chores. My identity revolves around the Mexican culture because its what most has impacted my life. It showed me how never leave my family, work hard and pursue your education and to show your pride and where you came from.
Although, the earliest history of Memorial day is somewhat unknown. From a personal experience of my grandfather who was in a grim war was left with horrid memories. Sadly, many Americans do not respect the morals of this sad day. To begin, Memorial day began in 1869, on May 5. It was first called Decoration Day, but was later changed in 1967, to Memorial Day.