Día De Los Muertos
Día de los Muertos
When you first walk in the door there is a path lined before you with marigold flowers, or as the Hispanic call them cempasuchitl. This path leads you into a room where a grand altar is erected. This altar is decorated with a variety of flowers, food, photos, etc. Is this a normal occurrence in this home? Yes, but not a daily one. This is special; for the day of the dead. It is in honor of a soul that had passed on before, and is expected to visit. From an American perspective, this would be considered a mournful and somber occurrence, but in these homes, it is joyful and elated. This day is accompanied with many historical practices, traditions, and beliefs.
The early indigenous people, namely the Aztecs, celebrated the ninth month of the Aztec Solar Calendar Miccailhuitonli, presided over by the "Lady of the Dead," Mictecacihuatl. This month was dedicated to deceased children and the dead, and coincided approximately with the end of July to the beginning of August. Another indigenous group, the Nahuas, celebrated Mihkailhuitontli, in celebration of deceased children, and Mihkailhuitli, in celebration of all deceased. When the Spanish conquered the indigenous peoples of Mexico they coincided these days, that had been celebrated for over 3000 years, with the Christian holiday "All Hollow's Eve" in an effort to evangelize the natives. November 1st then became the Day of all saints, dedicated to deceased children. November 2nd then became the liturgy, dedicated to all deceased saints.
This custom derived from the belief that the souls did not die, that they continued living in Mictlán, a special place for them to finally rest. This place was created by the benevolent gods and is called the Place of Death. This place is dark, but not necessarily somber. Here the spirits
Rest placidly and wait, not for judgment, verdict, or resurrection; here they wait until they can visit their earthly homes to visit...
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