DAY OF THE DEAD

Day Dead is a Mexican of prehispanic honors deceased November 2 begins the November 1st and matches celebrations Catholic Day Souls and All Santos. It's a Mexican holiday that is celebrated in some Central American countries and in many communities in the United States, where there is a large Mexican and Central American population. UNESCO has declared the Mexican holiday Intangible Cultural Heritage mankind.1 The origins of the celebration of Day of the Dead in Mexico predate the arrival of the Spanish. No record of celebrations in the ethnic Mexican, Maya, Purepecha and Totonac. The rituals that celebrate the life of the ancestors are held in these civilizations for at least three thousand years ago. In era prehispanic was common practice keep skulls as trophies and display during rituals to symbolize death and rebirth. The festival became the Day of the Dead marked the ninth month of the Aztec solar calendar, near the beginning of August, and was celebrated for an entire month. The festivities were presided over by the goddess Mictecachuatl, known as the "Lady Death" (currently associated with the "Catrina", a character of Jos Guadalupe Posada) and wife of Mictlantecuhtli, Lord of the land of the dead. Festivities were engaged celebration of children and lives deceased relatives. Death is a strong symbol that has caused admiration, fear and

uncertainty to humans throughout history. For many years, in various cultures have created beliefs about death that have successfully developed a series of rituals and traditions either to worship, honor, scare and even sneer. Mexico is rich in culture and traditions major aspects shape identity as nation is conception held about death and all traditions and beliefs revolving around it. Anyway, is noteworthy that this celebration belongs to all Mexicans since despite being a party has become national symbol and as such is taught (educational purposes) in schools country exist many families are more attached to celebrate "Day all Santos" as do elsewhere Catholics.

Dead Offering

The materials commonly used to make an offering of dead Day of the Dead has a meaning, and are among others the following: Portrait of the person remembered: The portrait of the late soul suggests that the visit the night of 2 November. Paint or chromium for the souls in Purgatory: The image of the souls in purgatory serves to call out of purgatory the soul of the deceased in case they find there. Twelve candles: Although they may be less, must be in pairs, and preferably purple, crown and wax flowers. The candles, especially if they are purple, are a sign of mourning. The four candles on the cross represent the four cardinal points, so the soul can be oriented to find your way and your house apart from water and salt. marigold flower (or flower petals four): The color is light as sunlight and water it in the form of road tells the direction of souls which will guide you home. Cross Grounding: To remind you of your faith, since Ash Wednesday is the phrase: "Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return", which is remembered returning to the land they left.