By Contributing Writer
The Day of the Dead, or "Dia De Los Muertos," is a holiday that is celebrated by millions of people in
Canada, the
United States, Latin America and even
Europe every year. This centuries-old celebration is derived from both Aztec and Catholic beliefs and is intended for the remembrance of those who have passed on from this earth to the afterlife.
Early History
Over 500 years ago, Spanish Conquistadors (or "conquerors") discovered the Aztec people participating in 3,000-year-old rituals. These rituals would become "The Day of the Dead." Eventually, the celebration became influenced by the Catholic faith of the Spaniards until it became the holiday we know today, which is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd.
The Modern Celebration
Today, the most recognizable symbol of the Day of the Dead celebration is the human skull, which can be found in masks, figurines and even food. Also common are projects such as altars honoring the dead, as well as the gathering of family and friends to visit the graves of the deceased in order to leave presents and favorite foods.
Regional Variations
The Day of the Dead is celebrated across Latin America, with each country putting a different spin on the holiday. Due to the large Latin-American populations in the United States, the Day of the Dead is celebrated also, as well as in European countries like Portugal and Spain, where offerings are left at the grave sites of family and friends.
Day of the Dead in Pop Culture
Many novels reference The Day of the Dead, including works by Ray Bradbury and Barbara Hambly. Several movies have either referenced or centered around the holiday, such as the movie "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" which takes place on the days leading up to the Day of the Dead, as well as the movie "The Crow: City of Angels," which takes place on the day itself.
Lessons Learned From the Day of the Dead
Although the Day of the Dead may seem to some like an irreverent, possibly even morbid celebration of the one thing which every human fears and dreads, the holiday seeks to ease the suffering of death by making light of it and reminding us that it is simply a part of life.
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