Dia De Los Muertos

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Cempasúchil is known as flor de muerto or flower of the dead. The lively yellow and orange marigolds date back to the time of the Aztecs. The color and scent of the flowers are believed to lure and awaken the resting spirits back to visit their families.

Dia De Los Muertos was originally celebrated in the summer months. During the 16th century once the Spanish colonized, their own catholic views on the dead influenced customs and traditions. It was changed to align with All Saints Day & All Souls Day. November 1st was to honor and celebrate children who have passed and November 2nd is for the adults.

Ofrenda is an altar with many offerings for their loved ones. Usually it is decorated with plenty of candles, food, drinks and photographs to help the short visit from beyond the grave be as homey and cozy as can be. The more personal you make it the more the night comes alive. Adding cigars, music, clothes that they used to wear and even their favorite candy brings it all so much closer to home.

La Catrina is an iconic figure in Mexican culture representing death. She is seen as someone in high society who honors and protects those who have passed. It is believed that the Aztecs worshipped the Goddess of Death and they believed she walked our loved ones by hand through the stages in death. The original image of La Catrina that we know and love was created by Jose Guadalupe Posada in the early 1900’s. He was a controversial and political cartoonist. He drew her with a fancy hat and feather because he felt his community was aspiring too much to be or look wealthy. This was his way of reminding his community that they all will end up dead in the end.

The Sugar Skull represents a departed soul. Usually the name of the departed is written on the forehead and placed on the gravestone or Ofrenda to honor the return of a particular spirit. It is labor intensive to make and usually made with sugar cane and a mold. Sugar skulls are decorated with beads, feathers, colored foil and icing. They can range in many different sizes. Usually they can be edible however they are not intended to be eaten. Just like our visitors from beyond the grave, it is a temporary beauty to behold.

It's time to bake some Pan De Muerto, heat up some Atole (Hot Chocolate) and celebrate the beautiful and colorful lives our loved ones enjoyed. One of my personal favorite things to do is visit with my closest loved ones and reminisce about all the goofy memories that make us laugh. Usually accompanied by some tequila while we play our family members favorite songs. Just like most Mexican families, extreme sadness is accompanied with extreme joy at the same time. If Vicente Fernandez happens to sneak in that playlist, let's make sure the tissues won't be too far from the tequila bottle.

Salude!