The Day of the Dead is a national holiday on which the souls of the dead are allowed to visit their loved ones who are in the world of the living. They can do this only once a year. Mexicans believe that death is not the end. Death is the beginning of another, new life.
The holiday originates in the culture of several peoples: the Maya, the Aztecs and the ancient civilizations of the Spaniards. Even before the conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards, in the homes of the Aztecs, the skull of deceased relatives was considered the main attribute. Mexicans begin celebrating it on October 31 and end on November 2.
On the first day of the holiday, it is necessary to pay attention to the deceased. Therefore, October 31 is called "the day of veneration of the deceased." Then there is the celebration of the day of deceased infants and children, and November 2 is considered the day of all souls.
The dead visit their loved ones these days, and the living, instead of tears, arrange a real holiday with a festive table and offerings to the altar. Houses are decorated with fresh flowers and lots of colorful ribbons. A lot of candles are installed on the territory of the house and cemetery, thereby inviting the dead. Mexicans have a slightly different attitude to death than in the rest of the world. People accept death as a ritual, as well as resurrection.
If an altar with photos of all relatives is not placed in the house on the day of the dead and sweets are not prepared, then they will not be able to come to visit. Because the main thing is memorable pictures with the image of the deceased.
Mexicans take this holiday as seriously as possible, approaching its preparation with great responsibility. This is not a prototype of the American Halloween with collecting sweets, going home in funny or creepy holiday costumes. In Mexico, during the celebration of the Day of all the dead, people at work are given a day off.
The main symbol of the holiday — Katrina — is a skeleton dressed up in a dress, with a hat and jewelry. It is an image of an indigenous people who wanted to be like Europeans. And Katrina's attire is also considered traditional for women.
On the days of celebration, you definitely need to go to the cemetery. People clean the graves of relatives, put candles, put flowers, bring offerings in the form of bread, water, soap, and favorite dishes of the deceased. Such trips take a whole day, and sometimes people stay at the cemetery overnight.
The main treat of the day of the dead is a round bun with a decoration in the form of a cross and sugar sprinkles. The main decoration is orange daisies. natashaescort.com/fr/