culture 3.1 (dia de los muertos)

celebrations include

Decoration and family gatherings at the cemetery,Special foods, Ofrendas(offerings) on altars, and Religious rites and prayers.

Marigold

During el Día de los Muertos the yellow marigold symbolizes the short duration of life. cempasuchiles

what is it?

El Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday honoring the dead. El Día de los Muertos is not a sad time, but instead a time of remembering and rejoicing.

altars

In homes, families arrange "altars" with offerings of flowers, bread, fruit, pictures... •In the late afternoon, special all-night burning candles are lit to remember the departed - and to guide them home.. .•Altars usually include -Retrato: A picture of the one being remembered and the Virgen de Guadalupe -Comida/platillos favoritos: Tamales, enchiladas, etc. -Velas: Candles -Flores: Flowers -Regalos: Gifts

when

It is celebrated every year at the same time as Halloween and the Christian holy days of All Saints Day and All Souls Day (November 1st and 2nd).

where

It is celebrated in Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, and other areas in Central and South America populated with the Latino ethnic background. The Day of the Dead is also celebrated in areas of the United States, such as California, Texas, and many others, in which the Mexican/American heritage exists.

history 1

More than 500 years ago, when the Spanish Conquistadors landed in what is now Mexico, they saw native Indians practicing a ritual that seemed to mock death.

Calacas

Skeletons are often shown in everyday activities which depict a dead person's profession or interests. The calacas are often placed on altars. This shows the spirit that he/she has not been forgotten

Death

USA ppl dont like to talk about death Many other cultures have similar rituals involving the lighting of lamps or candles and laying out food & drinks.Even ancient Egyptians had similar traditions of remembering loved ones.

Nov 2

adults

flowers

cempasúchiles (marigolds) -barro de obispo white amaryllis, wild orchids, baby's breath and ruby coxcombs - all offered as decoration and enticement for the returning spirits.

Nov 1

children

Altars have food & drink

cups of ATOLE - a sweet drink made of milk, sugar, and corn starch • Many families will prepare platters of rice, beans, chicken or meat in mole sauce, candied pumpkin or sweet potatoes, fruit, and bread.

ceremony

families go to the cemetery, parade/procession through town

bread?

pan de muerto, has bones

history 2

practiced by the local people at least 3,000 years. •The Spaniards tried to stamp out the ritual but were unsuccessful. •It is still celebrated in Mexico and certain parts of the USA.•The best way to describe this Mexican holiday is to say that it is a time when Mexican families remember their dead and the continuity of life.

papel picado

pretty tissue paper ON ALTAR is a traditional art used to decorate homes, businesses, markets and altars in preparation for the Day of the Dead. markets and altars in preparation for the Day of the Dead. The thin tissue paper images are usually cut in large quantities and hung The thin tissue paper images are usually cut in large quantities and hung in repetitious patterns.