![]() It also tracks how people choose to practice the celebration as a way to document its evolving contemporary tradition. The Latino Center offers a range of community events to educate the public about the history of Day of the Dead and the importance of the ofrendas. "You see it so popularized in mainstream pop culture, the commercialization and commoditization of it – there's some danger in that," says Melissa Carrillo, the new media and technology director at the Smithsonian Latino Center. With more people observing the holiday, sharing the tradition's history and keeping its integrity at the heart of the celebration is a continuing mission for educators. This year, Day of the Dead celebrations are taking place in major cities across the U.S., including San Antonio, Los Angeles, Chicago and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Visit Day of the Dead Resources to find library books for kids and adults, downloadable/printable resources (like this Altar educational flyer), and additional websites to help you dig deeper into the origins and history of this magical celebration.Scenes of a Dí a de los Muertos parade appeared in the 2015 James Bond installment "Spectre." Apparently inspired by the film, Mexico City hosted its first Day of the Dead parade in 2016, which brought thousands of participants celebrating in the streets. It also represents “water,” one of the four elements of nature. The paper flower tradition is very strong too. Water – A cup of water placed on the altar awaits a thirsty, travel-weary soul.Toys – Toys are used as offerings on altars dedicated to children who passed away.Towel & Soap – A towel and soap are left on the altar for the spirits to refresh themselves after a long journey.The skull represents the loved one’s soul. Sugar Skulls – Sugar skulls are a traditional art from Mexico used to decorate altars and graves.Skeletons – Skeletons represent the dead living on and carrying out their daily activities.Salt – Salt is a purifying element that helps prevent decay during the journey.Photographs – A photo of the person being remembered is an important centerpiece of the altar.Their movement represents “air,” one of the four elements of nature. Papel Picado (Paper Banners) – Colorful hand-cut tissue banners are placed around the altar and many other places during Day of the Dead celebrations.Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead) – This traditional bread represents the souls of the dead and “earth,” one of the four elements of nature.Incense – The aromatic smoke of incense is used to help guide a loved one’s spirit home.Food – Every altar displays a loved one’s favorite food and drink as a feast for the spirit to enjoy upon their return.Marigolds are the symbolic “flower of the dead.” Paths of marigold petals combined with their strong smell help lead a loved one’s soul back. A loved one’s favorite flower is sometimes placed on their altar or grave. Flowers – When cut, flowers remind us that life is short.In Christian tradition, it stands for death and resurrection. Cross – In Aztec tradition, it symbolizes the four cardinal directions.The altars help guide the spirits back to the land of the. It doesn’t have anything to do with Halloween, and it’s separate from All. But Dia de Finados is a one-day holiday, held on November 2. To make matters even more confusing, the Mexican holiday of Da de Los Muertos lasts from October 31 through November 2. Candles – Representing “fire,” one of the four elements of nature, a lit candle helps light the way for the spirit to return. sharp on November 2, you lay the food and drinks out on clean or new plates for the spirits to eat as if they are alive, so they can go back to wherever they come from with full stomachs. Day of the Dead altars are made as a way of remembering and honoring deceased friends and family. And the Catholic holy day of All Saints’ Day is just the day before, on November 1.Dog – Aztecs believe that a small dog serves as a guide and companion for the dead.The family decorates the ofrenda with offerings that tell a story about their loved one’s life and help to guide their spirits home. Water – Represented by a glass of water.Wind – Represented by papel picado (paper banners) moving in the air.Earth – Represented by food such as pan de los muertos (bread of the dead).Ofrendas include the four classical elements: ![]() ![]() ![]() A seven-level ofrenda is the most traditional it represents the necessary steps to rest in peace. A three-level ofrenda includes purgatory. A two-level ofrenda represents earth and heaven. The levels used to build the ofrenda represent different stages of human existence. Before the ofrenda is built, the house is thoroughly cleaned and a good table cloth is laid. As part of their Day of the Dead traditions, families set up ofrendas (altars) in their homes and/or in public places to honor their deceased loved ones.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |