In the Catholic tradition, November 1st is All Saints' Day and November 2nd is All Souls' Day. Both are celebrations of great importance in the Mexican culture, as they provide times to remember and honor loved ones who have passed on. Perhaps as a coincidence, or maybe as a natural amalgamation of opposing spiritual ideologies, the rituals carried out for Day of the Dead events are similar to those performed by indigenous peoples during the pre-Hispanic era. Three thousand years ago, and according to the Aztec calendar used at the time, the Day of the Dead fell in the ninth month and festivals went on until the tenth month came along. During that same time period, the celebrations were dedicated to the Lady of the Dead, now called Catrina.
In most Mexican states November 1st is dedicated to children who have died, and is referred to as Day of the Innocents or Day of the Little Angels. November 2nd is for adults who have passed on, and bears the most famous name of Day of the Dead. Traditions for the occasion begin with family members setting up shrines or private altars dedicated to the loved one(s) who have passed. These altars can be located at the gravesite or in the home, or both, and will most always be decorated with dazzling floral blooms, pictures, mementos and memorabilia of the deceased family member. Children's altars include favorite toys, birthday presents from the previous year and candy.
Another strong tradition during the Day of the Dead festivities is the making of Pan de Muerto, or Bread of the Dead. The process begins with a basic sweet bread recipe, but also includes anise seeds or orange flower water. The load is round and about six inches across. Before baking, the loaf is decorated with bone-like pieces of dough on top to represent the deceased. After baking, and depending on the customs of the specific region, the loaf is heavily sugared or decorated with brightly colored candies. Some parts of Mexico also enjoy making the Bread of the Dead in the shapes of animals.
When Day of the Dead arrives the loaves along with other food offerings, are presented to at the altars for the dead to eat their fill. Additional contributions to the dead include tamales, liquors and sugar skulls. Calavera is Spanish for 'skull' but Calaveras de azucar means 'sugar skulls', and are made for decorating altars and graves in preparation for Day of the Dead. They are usually white with vibrant flowers made from sugar or marzipan, and a favorite treat among children.
Day of the Dead is sometimes mistakenly viewed as a somber occasion, mostly because it focuses on those who have passed. In Mexican culture this is a time to make merry, have fun, and remember the good times with those who have passed. If there is a trip to Mexico in your near future, consider timing it during the Day of the Dead festivities. It will be a wonderfully good time!
In most Mexican states November 1st is dedicated to children who have died, and is referred to as Day of the Innocents or Day of the Little Angels. November 2nd is for adults who have passed on, and bears the most famous name of Day of the Dead. Traditions for the occasion begin with family members setting up shrines or private altars dedicated to the loved one(s) who have passed. These altars can be located at the gravesite or in the home, or both, and will most always be decorated with dazzling floral blooms, pictures, mementos and memorabilia of the deceased family member. Children's altars include favorite toys, birthday presents from the previous year and candy.
Another strong tradition during the Day of the Dead festivities is the making of Pan de Muerto, or Bread of the Dead. The process begins with a basic sweet bread recipe, but also includes anise seeds or orange flower water. The load is round and about six inches across. Before baking, the loaf is decorated with bone-like pieces of dough on top to represent the deceased. After baking, and depending on the customs of the specific region, the loaf is heavily sugared or decorated with brightly colored candies. Some parts of Mexico also enjoy making the Bread of the Dead in the shapes of animals.
When Day of the Dead arrives the loaves along with other food offerings, are presented to at the altars for the dead to eat their fill. Additional contributions to the dead include tamales, liquors and sugar skulls. Calavera is Spanish for 'skull' but Calaveras de azucar means 'sugar skulls', and are made for decorating altars and graves in preparation for Day of the Dead. They are usually white with vibrant flowers made from sugar or marzipan, and a favorite treat among children.
Day of the Dead is sometimes mistakenly viewed as a somber occasion, mostly because it focuses on those who have passed. In Mexican culture this is a time to make merry, have fun, and remember the good times with those who have passed. If there is a trip to Mexico in your near future, consider timing it during the Day of the Dead festivities. It will be a wonderfully good time!
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