2.
The most important dates in the indigenous' calendar are the 1st and 2nd of
November. All Saints' Day (Todos los Santos) and Day of the Dead (Dia de los
Difuntos, o muertos).
The ancient belief is that the soul visits its relatives within these days and should have
plenty of food to be fed and continue further on its journey to the after life.
3.
The family gets ready for this visit and among the several specialties that they prepare are the
"bread dolls", which have an specific meaning depending on the shape. Horse shaped breads
for example means transport.
The ritual involves the construction of a tomb that is adorned with the soul's favorite drink and
food and over this tomb they place black cloth and the bread dolls together with several other
things that are meaningful to the ritual.
4.
At the present times, as everywhere else, most Ecuadorians celebrate "Día de los
Difuntos, o muertos" in a different practical way; just visiting their deceased relatives in the
cemetery and adorning their tombs with flowers.
