DiadelosMuertosReflection

HannahBissell

Learning Spanish is one thing, but to immerse yourself in the culture and beliefs is
another.
Before learning about Dia de los Muertos, Iknewwhatitwas,butnotwhatitwasabout
IknewthatitwasapopularMexicanholidayandthatithadsomethingtodowiththedead.After
learning more about it, I celebrated it myself. It istwodayslong,anditcoincideswithChristian
beliefs: All Saints Day and All Souls Day on November 1 and2.Thefirstdaytypicallyisaday
to honor the deceased children, called Dia de los Inocentes,orDayoftheInnocents,oritcanbe
known as Dia de los Angelitos, or Day of the Little Angels. On the second day, it is usually to
honor the deceased adults. Although in some beliefs, the holiday is three days, starting on
October 31, celebrating All Hallows Eve some believe the souls of young children rise at
midnight.
The holiday includes many different traditional elements. Thebiggestpartoftheholiday
is the
ofrenda
, or altar. People will even begin preparing the altarmonthsahead,tomakesureit
is perfect. An ofrenda hosts a collection ofobjectsbothtraditionaltotheholidayitselfand those
unique to the person. As far as traditional elements go, these include: marigolds, known as
cempaschil (as wellas otherflowers),photos,salt,copalincense,candles,fruit,
papelpicadoor
cut tissue paperand
pandemuertos
breadofthedead.Themarigoldisaveryimportantitemin
the holiday because its strong scentandvibrantcolorissaidtoguidetospirittothealtar.Things
like brushes and toiletries are added, as wellasdrinks,sothewearyspiritcancleanitselfupand
quench its thirst. Unique to the person, these items can include toys, clothes, jewelry, alcohol,
tobacco, and anything else they enjoyed. Also part of the holidays tradition, come the evening
time,peoplewillalsovisitgraveyardstocleananddecoratethetombstones.
I participated in the holiday by creating an altar, as well as educating people about the
meaning of calaveras (skulls). My ofrenda comprised of a written description both in Spanish
and English describing my deceased uncle, as well as a photo, and both traditional and unique
items. The traditional items included were candles,marigolds,andsugarskulls,whileIincluded
onions (his favorite cooking item!), video games, a wooden spoon to symbolize his passion for
cooking, and movies. One thing I didnt include but would have liked to would be Iowa
Hawkeyes memorabilia: his favorite college football team. As far as the rest of theexhibition,I
educated people about sugar skulls. They represent a departed soul, and the name is usually
includedontheforeheadoftheskull.Theyaredecoratedinbeautiful colorsandhappyfaces,and
areplacedonaltarstohonortoreturnofthatspirit.
Although the holiday is about death, it is generally veryupbeat,withitsbeautifulcolors,
customs,andtraditions.