Life and Death in Mexico: Ancient and Present

In present-day, Mexican festivals of the dead are much less bloody! In fact, they are a fascinating blend of ancient pagan ritual and Catholicism. From the complex and rather macabre beliefs of early Mexicans comes the "Day of the Dead," which is heavily inspired by Catholic tradition, as well.

Essentially, the "Day of the Dead" is a prehispanic tradition. In other words, it pre-dates the Spanish influence in Mexico. However, it has been well integrated into present-day Mexican Catholicism. The construction of altars at which to pray and honour the dead is a large part of the celebration. The first of the "Day of the Dead" celebrations coincides with "All Saint’s Day," on November 1st. On this date dead children are remembered, and on November 1st, dead adults.

At its most profound, the "Day of the Dead" is a time for paying deep respect and showing love for one’s ancestors. Most typically, the celebratory images of the "Day of the Dead" are filled with a sort of danse macabre with skeletons performing everyday duties. For those who have passed on, family members will hold tribute with images of skeletons wearing the clothes of their particular profession, or performing activities the deceased most enjoyed.

In Mexico, schools, government institutions, artists & private citizens compete every year to build bigger, more creative, and more impressive altars to the dead. Halloween is not observed in Mexico, and in fact, the Catholic church in the country is very "anti-Halloween," promoting the "Day of the Dead" as their primary holiday for the deceased.

MexWeb.com lists the following items as "must-have" on any "Day of the Dead" altar (note: the altars are typically three-tiered):

1. A photograph of the deceased to be honoured 2. A "papel picado," a tissue paper table cloth with purple (for pain), white (for hope) and pink (for celebration) colours 3. Candles (in all three colours)—and plenty of them! In particular, four candles placed at the four points of the top tier of the altar, for the four "cardinal points". The light from these candles is said to illuminate the path for the dead on their journey back to life 4. Three (candy) skulls on the second tier signify the Holy Trinity. On the centre of the third tier a large skull representing the "giver of life" may be added 5. Pan de muerto, or the Day of the Dead bread, should be offered on the altar with candy and fruit

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