El Día de Los Muertos Questions
What is una ofrenda?
13 tiered altar with momentos & food
What souls are recognized on November 2nd?
All other deceased
What do Mexican people build to honor the deceased?
Altars
Of which two cultures is the modern Día de Los Muertos a mix?
Aztec &Catholic
How do the Mexican families know the dead have "eaten" the food set out for them?
By the aroma in the room that has now died out and the essence of the food has left/ dried out
How do they make a "path" to the ofrenda, and why do they do that?
Candles are used to light a pathway for the dead to the ofrenda and they do that so the dead are welcomed back to their altars
What souls are recognized on November 1st?
Children
When and how do they honor the little children who have passed away?
Children are honored on November 1st and they're honored by their families leaving candy and toys for them
what is dizfraz?
Costume or disguise
What is panes de muertos?
Day of the dead bread
What do the candles represent and why are they used?
Deceased loved ones
What do wreaths represent on an ofrenda?
Faith & hope
What does chapulín mean in English?
Grasshopper
How is death viewed in the Mexican culture as compared to how it is viewd in our culture?
In Mexican culture a death is viewed as a celebration
What do the seeds on the panes de muertos represent?
Individuals
What is a copal?
Is a scented resin used to make incense that is used on the altar
Why would kids wear disfraces?
It celebrates the death of a loved one
Name the flower that is used in celebrating el Día de los muertos
Marigold
What does máscara mean in English?
Mask
When is el Día de Los muertos celebrated?
November 2nd
What do they do on October 31st?
People begin preparing for the day of the dead
Why do you need a wastebasin, soap, towel, mirror, and brush or comb on the ofrenda?
People believe that when the dead come back, they like to freshen up
What is the significance of the "three deaths" in which they say is when you're really dead to everyone?
People die three deaths. The first death is when our bodies ceases to function; when our hearts no longer beat of their own accord, when our gaze no longer have depth or weight, when the space we occupy slowly loses its meaning. Our second death comes when the body is lowered into the ground, returned to Mother Earth, out of sight. The third death, the most definitive death, is when there is no one left alive to remember us
Typically, what color are the candles that are used in the celebration of el Día de los muertos?
Purple candles are used (represent pain) White candles (hope) Pink candles (celebration)
What is a Calavera?
Small sugar skulls
What is papel picado?
Soft paper used to create a design that is used on the altar
What is mole?
Spicy chocolate sauce
What do the panes de muertos represent?
The deceased
Why are flowers important in celebrating el Día de Los Muertos?
They are used to represent death
What is the significance of the 3 tiers of the ofrenda table?
first represents: life second represents: purgatory (the in between) third represents: heaven/ the after life
