The celebration of Day of the Dead is just around the corner, for this reason below we will tell you what the rites and the traditions most important in this date that honors the memory of “those who are no longer“.
According to an article from the National Institute for Federalism and Municipal Development (INAFED), “the Day of the Dead in the indigenous vision implies the temporary return of the souls of the deceased, who return home, to the world of the living, to live with family members and to nourish themselves with the essence of the food that is offered to them. on the altars set in his honor.
You might be interested in: Benefits of yoga for mental health
This is because in pre-Hispanic times, when someone died they were buried wrapped in a mat and their relatives organized a party in order to guide them on their journey to Mictlán. In the same way, they gave him food that he liked in life, with the belief that he might feel hungry.
For this reason, the Day of the Dead does not celebrate the absence but the belief of a living presence, since death is a “symbol of life that materializes in the offered altar.”
Given this, some rituals are carried out, both religious and those that the indigenous people did since pre-Hispanic times; the ancient Mexicas, Mixtecs, Texcocanos, Zapotecs, Tlaxcaltecas, Totonacas and other native peoples of our country.
Day of the Dead rituals and customs
Rituals:
1. Construction of the altar for the dead: An altar is built at home with photos, personal objects and offerings for the deceased.
2. Cleaning of the pantheon: The tomb of loved ones is visited to clean it and leave offerings.
3. Offerings of food and drinks: Favorite foods and drinks of the deceased are left on the altar.
4. Burning incense and copal: Incense and copal are burned to purify the environment and receive the dead.
5. Wake: A vigil is held to honor the dead with music, prayers and sharing stories.
Traditions:
1. Decoration with flowers and confetti: Altars and tombs are decorated with flowers and confetti.
2. Preparation of traditional foods: Typical dishes such as bread of the dead, mole, tamales and zucchini are prepared.
3. Use of traditional clothing: He dresses in traditional clothing, such as the charro suit or the rebozo.
4. Visit family and friends: Family and friends are visited to share stories and remember the deceased.
5. Participation in processions and parades: Participation in processions and parades to honor the dead.
You might be interested in: Invite Brugada to participate in the Day of the Dead party
Common offerings:
1. Flowers (especially marigolds and gladiolas)
2. Candles and candelabras
3. Incense and copal
4. Favorite foods and drinks
5. Photos and personal items
6. Music and singing
7. Shredded paper and paper flowers
Specific days:
1. April Fool’s Day (November 1): Children and babies who have died are honored.
2. Day of the Dead (November 2): Adults who have died are honored.
These rituals and customs are a way to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away, and to keep Mexican tradition and culture alive.