My first memory of El Día De Los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) was from middle school, when the Spanish language class made sugar skulls that would pop out of coffins as a class project. Seeing these skulls definitely creeped me out, and I was so relieved that we did not have a comparable project in French class! Día De Los Muertos is a Mexican holiday and tradition, and people all over the world celebrate this festival. I wish I did not need to wait until I was an adult to learn about this wonderful two day festival!
Día De Los Muertos, first of all, it is a holiday [Holy Day] that is celebrated on All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) and falls after Halloween, All Hallows’ Eve. In many cultures (not just for Roman Catholics), this time of year is celebrated as a time that is a “thin place” - meaning we are much closer to those who have gone before us. Our deceased loved ones and saints are among us in a deeper way this time of year. I grew up remembering my loved ones and saints on All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, throughout the month of November, and on November 11, Veterans Day.
My favorite interpretation of celebrating Día De Los Muertos is in the Disney film, Coco. There is a meaningful story, beautiful images, and lovely music that teach us about celebrating these wonderful, Holy Days. The film offers a stunning way to imagine this festival. Further, if you are like me and believe that life probably ought to be one long musical, this song from Coco, Remember Me (Recuérdame), helps capture the meaning behind Día De Los Muertos and remembering our loved ones. This song is also an example of the power of music, what it means to say goodbye, and how precious our memories can be.
Ofrendas (gifts/offerings), like the one in this photo, are altars built in households, towns, and churches. I am sure you have seen them. They will have photos of our lost loved ones and saints, marigolds, candles, sugar skulls, fruit, the favorite foods and drinks of our departed loved ones, and various other meaningful objects for the people who have built them. Where will you find an ofrenda this year? I appreciate the practice of building an ofrenda as a way to celebrate our friends, families, and saints who have gone before us. Día De Los Muertos is not just for those who are deceased. People exchange gifts, especially of beautifully decorated candy sugar skulls, to one another, and they also might exchange cards and whimsical tributes.
I have never been to Mexico for Día De Los Muertos, but one day I hope to. I have begun my preparations for my pilgrimage for Día De Los Muertos by building my own ofrenda each year and attempting to grow marigolds. I love the way that Día De Los Muertos celebrates those who have gone before us with joy, light, color, photos, humor, and community gatherings. All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, when I was growing up, seemed to have an almost eerie feel to them - like attending a somber funeral. El Día De Los Muertos is a celebratory time to honor the lives of those we have lost, but are still among us. This does not need to be somber nor bleak. This ought to be a festival and celebration of the Communion of Saints! Who will you be remembering this year? May their love find you again in a special way this Día De Los Muertos, and throughout this next year.
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