It’s Halloween in the States, and the costumes have been colorful, funny, and even outrageous. But things are done a little, or rather, a lot, differently in Mexico and other parts of Latin America.
Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead in their country instead of Halloween. In this November 1 and 2 celebration, families honor their dead with food, drinks, and offerings.
After all, it’s believed that the veil between the living world and the spirit realm lifts on these days, and the deceased come to visit. On November 1st, the children are celebrated, while the adults are honored the next day.
The Day of the Dead is believed to be traced back to the goddess or the Lady of the Dead- Mictēcacihuātl, who rules over the spirits of the dead. It’s said that the deity led the celebration, which lasted for a whole month. However, after the Spanish conquest of Mexico, the holiday was shifted to November 1 and 2 to coincide with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Who Is The Lady Of The Dead?
Mictēcacihuātl, in Aztec mythology, is the Lady of the Dead. She, along with Miclantecuhtl, her husband, ruled over the lowest level in the underworld- Mictlan. Here, they had power over every kind of soul- those resulting from normal deaths, non-heroic deaths, and heroic deaths.
As per legend, she was sacrificed as a newborn and later became Miclantecuhtl’s mate. Mictēcacihuātl is represented with a skull face, a defleshed body, sagging breasts, and a skirt filled with serpents.
Her jaws are always hanging wide open because, as per myth, she swallowed the stars and made them invisible during the day. Aztecs believed she presided over the festivals of the dead and guarded their bones. That belief has carried down to the modern days as well.
Here are 7 more interesting facts about the Day of the Dead:
7. The Flowers That Guide The Dead Souls
Marigold flowers are used to create a path for the spirits to follow to travel between the world of the dead and the living. This flower is chosen as a guide because it’s believed to symbolize the sun.
Also, it’s said that the spirits can smell its scent. The petals of this flower are also used to decorate altars and graves.
6. The Hairless Guide Dog Of The Dead
Relatives of the deceased want their beloved family members to go back to the realm of the dead safely after the festivities are over. So, apart from creating a path of Marigold flower petals, they use figures of the hairless Mexican dog, Xolos, to guide them.
Many believe that Xolotl, the god of death, created Xoloitzcuintli. This breed is revered during the Day of the Dead because they have been loyal companions and spiritual guides since Aztec times.
5. Grave And Bone Cleaning Duties
Families polish and decorate the graves of their departed loved ones. Vibrant flowers, drinks, and offerings are placed as a mark of respect. But the tradition differs from one place to the other.
For example, in places like Pomuch and Campeche, tradition dictates that the bones of the dead have to be washed.
4. The Dead Come As Little Butterflies And Birds
It’s believed that Monarch butterflies and hummingbirds are the spirits of the returning dead family members. This myth became popular because the butterflies tended to appear at the time of the year that coincided with the festival.
3. Spending A Night In The Cemetery
In many places, part of the Day of the Dead celebration consists of spending the nights of November 1 and 2 either inside the cemetery or graveyard. Festivities include picnicking there with family.
2. Bad Luck And Death For Non-Believers
It’s believed that not celebrating the Day of the Dead will lead to bad luck, and the person/ family will have to face harsh misfortunes, sickness, or even death.
This is because, as per tradition, the dead become offended and take revenge if they find that their families haven’t put out suitable ofrendas or offerings.
1. James Bond Began The Tradition In Mexico City
In the opening scene of Daniel Craig’s James Bond film, Spectre, the world-famous spy strolls through Mexico City celebrating a Day of the Dead parade.
However, Mexico City had never had such a parade before that scene was filmed. But that one famous Hollywood scene kickstarted something new.
What are your thoughts on this unique Day of the Dead tradition? Is there something similar in your culture?
Let us know in the comments below.
