The Day of the Dead is one of the most important celebrations in Mexico and Latin American countries. There are many wrong ideas about this ritual. Let’s learn about some of the most important facts about the Dia de Muertos celebration.
- The Day of the Dead IS NOT the Mexican version of Halloween. Mexicans have celebrated this day since the year 1800 B.C.
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- It is not scary or morbid. There are no pictures or images of dead people, ghosts, witches, or the devil. In reality it is such a spectacular celebration of love and community.
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- The Day of the Dead is not a cult. This ritual has nothing to do with cults. It is a Catholic Christian ritual intermixed with folk culture. Going to mass is an essential aspect of this celebration. The families pray to God for the souls of their family members and ask for blessings.
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- This celebration doesn’t honor death, but our dead relatives. We welcome the opportunity to reflect upon our lives, our heritage, our ancestors, and the meaning and purpose of our own existence.
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- Altars or ofrendas are not for worship but for offering our love and remembering our departed family members.
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- Day of the Dead is not a sad ritual. It’s a day of happiness because we will be remembering our loved ones. Although when in the graveyard, people assume an introspective attitude.
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- The Day of the Dead is about Love and Family, not Fear.
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- Day of the Dead is not a “strange” ritual. It is very similar to going to a grave and leaving flowers or stuffed animals and lighting a candle to remember the deceased.
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- It is not a careless or fearless confrontation with death. It represents the love that we have for our family members who passed away, our faith in God and prayer.
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- The Day of the Dead is a moment to reflect upon one’s life and the cycle of life and death.
- The Day of the Dead is a moment to reflect upon one’s life and the cycle of life and death.