Day of the Dead: Celebration, History & Origins
Who celebrates the Day of the Dead?
From pre-Columbian times, El Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead has been celebrated in Mexico and other Latin countries. This is a very special ritual. It is the day on which the living remember their departed relatives. Sometimes, when people of other cultures hear for the first time about the celebration, they mistakenly think it must be gruesome, terrifying, scary, ugly, and sad. So, what is the Day of the Dead? It is a beautiful ritual in which Mexicans happily and lovingly remember their loved relatives who have died. Much like when we go to a graveyard to leave some lovely flowers on the tomb of a relative
From the beginning, man has needed to explain the mystery of life and death. Many civilizations and cultures have created rituals to try and give meaning to human existence.
· Where do we come from?
· Why does life end?
· Is there “life” after death?
· If so, what kind of “life”?
· Can we do something while alive to enjoy “life” after death?
To the indigenous peoples of Mexico, death was considered the passage to a new life, so the deceased were buried with many of their personal objects, which they would need in the hereafter. Many times, even their pets were sacrificed so they could accompany their masters on their long journeys.
