Days of the Dead on the Net - Day of the Dead Customs and Traditions

Day of the Dead Customs and Traditions

Day of the Dead is the Mexican holiday celebrating the spirit of your deceased loved ones. Celebrations traditionally begin at midnight on October 31st and continue until November 2. While each town and region in Mexico has its own unique Day of the Dead customs, there are certain universal traditions that have developed over the centuries.

Altars

Elaborate home altars, called ofrenda's, are traditionally made to honor those departed spirits who have come back home for a brief visit. Food and personal memorabilia are left on the altar, and it is believed that the spirits will consume the essence and enjoy their aroma of the offerings. After the spirits have returned to the spirit world, family and friends will enjoy a feast of the altar foods.

Also traditionally left on the home altar is a sugar skull, which has the departed person's name inscribed on it. Marigolds, called cempasuchil in Spanish, are a seasonal flower, which grace the Day of the Dead altars. And pan de muertos is a special bread traditionally baked for the holiday.

Cemeteries

In addition to building altars at one's home, many people traditionally visit cemeteries and decorate their family members' graves. Some villagers leave a path of flower petals between the cemetery and their homes, so their loved ones can find the way. In other towns, people spend the whole night at the cemetery, having a festive celebration that includes music, food and even alcohol.

The Connection to Halloween

Day of the Dead celebrations have continually changed and adapted throughout modern history, bridging a diversity of cultures and customs in Mexico and to the north, in the United States.

Celebrations for Day of the Dead are also becoming increasingly popular in America, especially in communities with large Hispanic populations. As these festivities have taken root, the influence of Halloween is growing -- not only in the U.S. but also back in Mexico. Mexican children now go trick-or-treating and dressing up in costumes has become a popular tradition.

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Comments

shawntrell from Louisiana, US

14:31 10/26/2009

this is kind od cool but creapy at the same time.

harley from Pennsylvania, US

16:43 09/29/2009

so what do you do for your custom's im having a school project and my paper says for me to: discuss custom's and different types of public and family celebrations for the holiday. include any symbols of holiday in your discussion. And im supposed to do that and i dont know how to so can you please explain to me what your custom's is and how you use them. thank you! and can you please repley back really soon cause this project is due on october 1st!! thanks!!!!!

lyn from Philippines

20:55 01/18/2009

thaks for d info....god bless

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