2. Pan de Muerto : The bones represent the deceased person and there is
normally a baked tear drop on the bread to represent sorrow. The bones
are represented in a circle to portray the circle of life.
Atole: Uses masa, similar to oatmeal. used to nourish and warm the
spirits when they return and/or when they leave.
Sugar Skulls: are a traditional folk art from Central and Southern Mexico
used to celebrate Day of the Dead. Mounds of colorful sugar skulls are
sold by vendors in the village open air markets during the week
preceding Day of the Dead.
3. Skull masks/ Face Paintings The wearing of skull masks has been a
powerful symbol throughout traditional cultures, of the ability of humans
to get in touch with their darker, chaotic side. Face-painting as skulls is a
chance to overcome fear of death, act recklessly and get up to the
mischief that is forbidden at other times of the year.
Marigolds: According to Mexican belief, the souls of departed family and
friends return to earth on the day of the dead, and it is believed the
strong scent of marigold helps to guide them back.
Dancing:At the cemetery, music is played and dances are made to honor
the spirits, and styles vary through- out regions.
4. For more than 500 years, the goddess Mictecacihuatl (Lady of the Dead)
presided over Aztec harvest rituals using fires and incense, costumes of
animal skins, images of their dead and offerings of ceramics, personal
goods, flowers and foods, drink and flowers.
Aztec, Mayan and other indigenous traditions have created the
Mexican's attitude about death. From these ancestors has come the
knowledge that souls continue to exist after death, resting Mictlan, the
land of the dead, not for judgment or resurrection; but for the day each
year when they could return home to visit their loved ones.
When the Spaniards witnessed these traditions, they tried to force the
indigenous people to take death as a somber, mournful process not a
colorful lively tradition. The people still carried on, even when the
Spaniards changed the dates to concede with the catholic calendar and
All Saints day.
5. Altars: family members honor their deceased
with ofrendas or offerings on altars which may
consist of photographs, bread, other foods,
flowers, toys and other symbolic offerings.
Songs: Families sing the favorite songs of the
deceased one in the cemetery or by the altars in
their homes.
Stories: Loved ones of the dead sit by their
graves and tell stories, and experiences they
have from the person. It is a lively experience,
not mournful.
6. Build an altar with favorite foods and trinkets
that the person liked when they were living
Visit the graves of your loved ones and spruce
it up as you see fit.
Light the grave with candles and play their
favorite music.
