Día de los Muertos

Today kicks off festivities in celebration of the Latin American holiday known as the Day of the Dead. Many may not realize what this holiday honors, and it is often associated with Halloween. However, it is celebrated for nearly the opposite purpose.

Day of the Dead, in Spanish Día de Los Muertos or Día de los Difuntos, is a holiday that originated in Mexico and is celebrated worldwide, which honors departed friends and family. In contrast, Halloween is devoted to warding off evil spirits that have come to do harm to the living.

The Day of the Dead has its origins in Aztec culture. It was common for these indigenous people, which inhabited southern North American and Central America, to keep skulls as trophies to symbolize death and rebirth.

The original holiday began its festivities around the beginning of August and lasted for a month. The celebration was devoted to the god known as the “Lady of the Dead” — corresponding to the modern Catrina.

This holiday is centered around the Aztec belief — similar to aboriginal beliefs in Australia — that life is a dream that you wake up from when you die, only then do you discover your real life.

Day of the Dead was not moved to its present date until the Spaniards invaded and converted the natives, after which the devil and crucifix were incorporated.

Nov. 1 is considered “Día de los Angelitos” or “Día de los Inocentes,” which translates to Day of the Little Angels or of the Innocents and is devoted to remembering children that have died, and Nov. 2 is the traditional Day of the Dead. These holidays correspond to the Catholic All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

It is traditional to create altars for those who have died during this time of year that include sugar skulls, orange marigolds, favorite foods and beverages of their loved one and trinkets or belongings that they will recognize. Toys are placed on the graves of children and bottles of alcohol are included in the decorations for adults.

The calavera, or skull, is a common symbol represented with candy skulls that have the name of the honoree inscribed on its forehead, and masks (calacas meaning “skeleton”).

Candles are also lit to help the dead find their way home and “ofrendas,” often including candied pumpkin and bread of the dead, are placed in their homes and at the grave sites as a welcoming gesture. The graves are also cleaned and decorated.

Some believe that the dead absorb or eat the spiritual essence of the food that is offered, thus it has no nutritional value.

Pillows and blankets are left out so the deceased loved ones have a chance to rest after their long journey as well.

Although the message is the same, the activities are not universal and many have their own personal and unique traditions.

Public events that celebrate this holiday, which are highlighted on the front page, can be found in Toledo as well.

However, you don’t have to be religious to commemorate the dead and have ceremonies in their honor. Everyone should feel encouraged to honor their loved ones during this time of year that boasts the most potential for spiritual contact.