Day_Of_The_Dead

Day Of The Dead

History

History Mexicans dont celebrate Halloween. They celebrate Day Of The Dead. This is a religious day very similar to All Saints Day. The majority of hispanics are catholics, a part of christiandom.They believe that the spirits dont die. They believe that the dead live in limbo, where they stay until they return to visit their families.

The OfferingThey set a table with a white tablecloth decorated with various things. Some of them may include:Decorative cut paperflowersskeletonsskulls candlesbread of the deadincensefoodcandyA photowatertowelsoapsaltatole (a thick seasoned drink)

The OfferingThe offering is made up of four components:

EarthWindWaterFire

The Offering

The Cemetary GravesitePeople go to the gravesites of family members or dead friends.They put a lot of flowers, skeletons, sculls made of sugar, candles, food, candy, etc.Then, they have a candle-light vigil to remember the spirits of the departed.Preparation for Day Of The Dead begins up to 2 weeks before the celebration.

Special DaysNovember 1st: The Little Angels. (children that have died)

November 2nd: The Dead. (adults that have died)

At The CemeteryHispanics go to the cemetery of the deceased and decorate their gravesites.They put flowers, food, and many candles. They stay until midnight continuing the candle-light vigil remembering their loved ones.

The Gravesites at the Cemetery

Bread of the Dead

Skulls

Flowers

Decoratively Cut Paper

Music and DanceThe dancers carry calacas (artistic skeletons), pretending that the souls are visiting and doing a dance. The drums are the most important part of the music associated with the supernatural to cause vitality and rhythm.

CalacasCalacas are skeletons used by dancers and are always used for the decoration of the Offering and on fireplaces. They are made by artists and are sold for decoration.

Calacas

CatrinaCatrina is the most recognizable symbol for Day of the Dead. She is now a calacas and was painted by Jos Guadalupe Posada, a famous artist from Mexico.

Works of Jos Guadalupe Posada

The End