As Día De Los Muertos Approaches — Here’s What You Should Know About This Important Hispanic Celebration

While Hispanic Heritage Month has concluded, the celebration of cultural heritage continues. One of the best ways to honor this is by exploring traditions associated with Día de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. My children embrace their Hispanic roots, and it’s been enlightening to delve deeper into their Latinx background with them. Even if you don’t identify as Hispanic, the 2020 census reveals that over 18% of the U.S. population is Latinx, making it likely that you have Latinx coworkers, children in your child’s class, or friends with diverse backgrounds. So, let’s take a moment to understand this beautiful holiday.

Understanding Día de Los Muertos

Día de Los Muertos transcends simply wearing skull makeup or dressing as skeletons. This holiday is a time for families to gather and celebrate the lives of those who have passed away. Observed over two days—November 1st and 2nd—November 1st is dedicated to honoring deceased children, while November 2nd is for adults.

While discussions about death can be somber, Día de Los Muertos offers a different perspective. The holiday encourages honoring and celebrating those who are no longer with us. Behind every flower and decorative item during this time lies a rich tradition, and it’s worth exploring these customs.

Creating Ofrendas

Families often create altars known as ofrendas, which translates to “offerings” in English. These altars serve as memorials where families can place items that their loved ones cherished in life, such as toys or favorite foods. In our household, we use an end table as our ofrenda, adorned with candles, marigolds, sugar skulls, and photographs of our departed relatives.

Each decorative choice on an ofrenda carries symbolic meaning. For instance, candles illuminate the space to guide the spirits back to their families. Marigolds, with their vibrant orange and yellow hues, are believed to help lead the deceased to the ofrenda. When outdoors, petals might form a trail to direct spirits, while indoor displays may simply incorporate these flowers in various arrangements.

The Significance of Sugar Skulls

Sugar skulls, or calaveras, are among the most recognizable symbols of this holiday. These colorful representations honor loved ones, often featuring their names inscribed on the forehead. The use of sugar in these skulls serves two purposes: to remind celebrants that even in death, life should be celebrated joyfully, and to symbolize the impermanence of life, as sugar skulls may melt away when exposed to the elements.

An ofrenda is incomplete without photographs of those being honored. The images act as a bridge, guiding spirits back from the realm of the remembered to that of the living. Similar to the candles and marigolds, every item on the ofrenda contributes to the commemoration of loved ones during Día de Los Muertos.

A Heartfelt Celebration

This holiday is not merely about skeletons and spirits; it is a heartfelt occasion to remember cherished individuals. They may be gone, but they remain alive in our hearts, and Día de Los Muertos is an opportunity to celebrate their legacy.

If you’re not familiar with this tradition, consider watching family-friendly films like “Coco” on Disney+ or “The Book of Life” on Amazon Prime Video. Both are excellent introductions to the themes of Día de Los Muertos. Prepare yourself to learn and embrace the beauty of this holiday. Grab some tissues; you might just need them!

Further Exploration

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In summary, Día de Los Muertos is a vibrant and meaningful celebration that honors the memories of loved ones who have passed away. It emphasizes joy and remembrance, showcasing rich traditions that invite us to reflect on life and legacy.