1. Dia De Los Muertos

2. THE HISTORY Mexican holiday celebrated in the Central and Southern regions. Origins can be traced to an Aztec festival dedicated to Mictecacihuatl, goddess of the underworld. Originally celebrated in the 9 th month of the Aztec calendar (August), later changed to November 1 st and 2 nd. Photo from mudworks.tumbler.com

3. EVENTS 3 day festival Day 1: October 31- The gates of heaven open at midnight and celebration begins, welcoming the “angelitos”, or spirits of children who have passed. Day 2: November 1- Adult spirits are welcomed and celebrated. Day 3: November 2- “All souls day”. Families join at the cemeteries to decorate graves of loved ones with flowers, “muertos” or bread of the dead, sugar skulls, and traditional foods.

4. PHOTO CRED. SATURNSATORI.BLOGSPOT.COM CELEBRATION OF ALL SOULS DAY- OAXACA

5. MOST COMMON SYMBOLS Pan de Muertos- sweet roll often decorated with bone shaped pieces. The bones represent souls in heaven. It is eaten at the gravesite or altar of the deceased. Cempasuchil or Marigold Originated in the Aztec world. Marigolds placed at the altars invite the souls to feast on the offerings that families have prepared.

6. SYMBOLS CONTINUED Sugar Skulls Labor intensive artform. Represent departed souls and generally include a name on the skull. Representative of the folk art style of Mexico La Calavera Catrina Depicted by printmaker Jose Guadalupe Posada, originally as a jab at “rich people” Art image of Mictecacihuatl Has become the mainstream figure of Dia de los Muertos.

7. INTERESTING FACTS Some families spend two month’s income on honoring their deceased family members. Believed that if they do not celebrate every year, their family member will be stuck between heaven and the living. Festivals are held in many countries of the world, popularizing the image of Mictecacihuatl (i.e. Halloween costumes, impressive artwork). It has become so popular, a MOVIE has even been made about the holiday! MOVIE

8. REFERENCES http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/245/ La Catrina: Mexico’s grande dame of death. Accessed from http://www.sfgate.com/mexico/mexicomix/article/ La-Catrina-Mexico-s-grande-dame-of-death- 2318009.php History of the Day of the Dead. Accessed from http://www.mexicansugarskull.com/support/dodhist ory.html