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By Sarah Wright
With the title, I may have already ruined your working definition of Dia de los Muertos. Yes, the holiday is near Halloween, but the differences are significant. The holiday is celebrated in parts of Mexico and the United States almost exclusively, or at least until it recently became a widely commercialized holiday. The origins date back about six centuries to the Aztecs in present day central Mexico. Skulls, marigolds, altars, and gifts to memorialize and remember the dead are all stalwarts of the holiday. The holiday with indigenous traditions merged with the Catholic holidays, All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2).
Today, people construct altars or ofrendas, which are offerings to their ancestors who have passed. These ofrendas are filled with pictures, candles, drinks, food, and other offerings, as well as marigolds because their strong fragrance is believed to help guide the souls of those lost to death home. Even though the holiday is grounded in indigenous traditions, there are often Christian symbols such as the crucifix and the Virgin of Guadalupe, who is the patron saint of Mexico on the ofrendas.
Be sure to attend today's presentation by Consuelo Flores (Zoom link) on Dia de los Muertos at noon to learn more.
Also, come by the International Education office, see our ofrenda and offer something for your deceased loved ones. As an example, I have offered a few pieces of candy and a picture of my grandfather. He always had a candy dish and a pocket full of candy, especially peppermint, to offer others.
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