Life, Taxes and Beyond

 



Flowers, vibrant colors, parades, live music, dancing in the streets. Dia de los Muertos, or day of the dead, has been a celebration on going for centuries now.  

The celebrations of the holiday have been described to have the bright colors, parades, music and dancing in the streets that's now associated with the holiday. However, it isn't like that throughout all Hispanic culture.  

Day of the dead derives from the Hispanic indigenous and Spanish catholic beliefs where groups of family and friends come together to pray and remember loved ones who have died, and help support their spiritual journey that they now embark on.

The gatherings date back hundreds of years ago to an Aztec festival. It was also originally celebrated in the summer months, in August typically, and went on for the entire month. As time went on it was associated with the month of October. 

Frances Ann Day said “the Day of the Dead On October 31, All Hallows Eve, the children make a children's altar to invite the angelitos (spirits of dead children) to come back for a visit. November 1 is All Saints Day, and the adult spirits will come to visit.

November 2 is All Souls Day, when families go to the cemetery to decorate the graves and tombs of their relatives.” The children are also said to roam the streets, knocking on people's doors for small gifts of candies or money; they also ask passersby for it, which is similar to trick-or-treat in America.

 
While observing the holiday families erect alters in the homes or small shrines. They typically feature the Christian cross, statues and pictures of the Virgin Marry, marigolds, pictures or relics representing the deceased, candles and other offerings made to the dead. This doesn't stop in the home. The alters are made in town squares and in the cemeteries. Parties are thrown with the favorite food and drinks of the departed. 

This holiday isn't just celebrated out of honor, some celebrate simply out  of fear. Folklore says that neglected spirits look for revenge on the family and friends who may have forgotten them. It's said that those who ignore their lost loved ones become sick and meet their death shortly after the festivities have concluded.  

One of the most recognizable marks of the day of the dead is the Sugar Skull.  
Hispanics Began making the skulls as apart of the festivities dating back to the 18th century. People during this time did not have a lot of money but did come with an immense amount of sugar. They would make these offerings and write the name of the deceased across the forehead. Now you can find them as a part of the alters made in the home but vibrant with color and decorations. Also, people wearing elaborate makeup representing the skulls.  

With many cultures around the world this comes with many ways to remember those who have passed before us. This is just one of those. I encourage you to take time out of your day to remember someone that has impacted your life that is no longer with us.  


Until next time Life, taxes and…Josh