Before I came to Mexico I thought Mexico's Dia de los Muertos was some macabre practice. Boy, was I wrong! Actually it is two days not one, November 1-2 each year. They are All Soles' Day November first, and All Saints Day November second. The first is not as big of an event as the second, my first mistake, I have learned. Day one is for the infants and small children who have died, while day two is for those older ancestors, family and dignitaries who are deceased. I am not sure of the exact age for demarcation. Both are days of remembrance, prayer and conversations about the deceased. While they are not official sanctioned government holidays, they are probably among the biggest observances in Mexico.
Day one is for the families who have lost children. On the way home from the cemetery the family will drop cookies or candy in hope of the child finding the way home. This to me seems so very sad. It is similar to day two, but more subdued.
I am told that day two has by far more participation. On day two, many families who don't set up shrines or altars go to the cemeteries for the entire day and part of the night. Here the family will make an altar for the deceased. Many are quite elaborate and very expensive. Usually there is the favorite food, drink and things the deceased loved, candles, pictures, skulls made from sugar, and flowers, usually marigolds, hoping for the love one's return. I am told there is much conversation about the persons life; what the love one enjoyed, things they accomplished. It appears much time is spent in celebration of a life well lived. The families and friends sit and wait for the appearance of the love one. Many are hoping that the prayers and conversations will stir the soul to appear. This time is also used to clean and repair the grave. At some point, I'm not sure when, the food which has been prepared, along with the drink (many times tequila) is consumed.
On the evening of the November 2, Kay and I went to see the many shrines which were set up at homes along the 4-5 blocks of Cinco de Mayo street in Chapala. Lots of people come out to see the shrines. At several shrines the families were offering pan dulce; a semi sweet bread. The entire street scene reminded me of a carnival; lots of teenagers with faces painted and dressed up to look like skeletons, music everywhere, many taking pictures, laughter and celebration. Many of the shrines included family members representing the ancestor in skeleton makeup and dress.
I see many of the little blue and white flags hung across the small streets from house to house, plus blue and white ribbon bows. It is my understanding this represents the Catholic church. At dusk the shrines were lit by candles.
Jose Guadalupe Posada: (1852–1913) is the Mexican artist that most Americans think of when Dia de los Muertos images come up. He created the famous lady skeleton with the large fancy hat and dress; called "Katrinas" now. Many skeletons and sugar skulls are a part of these two days of celebrations.
It is not my desire to made you unhappy with this blog. My hope is that you have found some information which will expand your knowledge. Remember, Dia de los Muertos, is a "remembrance celebration" of the loved-one's contribution to life, not a grieving of loss. The mood is very festive.
Remember God only gives us a certin number of days. I don't plan on wasting the ones I have left.
Until we talk again.
Mike
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