El Día de los Muertos
Una introducción breve What is it? traditional Mexican holiday time to remember and honor the dead When is it? November 1st and 2nd
Una introducción breve Where is it celebrated? Mexico Ecuador Guatemala other areas of Latin America some areas of United States
La historia Aztec influence Spanish influence began 3000 years ago Catholic religion mixed with Aztec traditions All Saints Day (Nov. 1) All Souls Day (Nov. 2)
Tradiciones: las ofrendas Altars should include: picture of the one being remembered items they were fond of favorite foods and drinks candles flowers gifts
Tradiciones: la comida pan de muertos decorated with designs of bones plastic skeleton hidden inside
Tradiciones: la comida sugar skulls sugar candy decorated with colorful designs placed on altars sugar = sweetness of life skull = sadness of death
Tradiciones: las flores yellow marigolds symbolize short duration of life entice spirits to come back flower wreaths real and plastic decorate graves other flowers used: wild orchids white amaryllis ruby coxcombs
Tradiciones: el papel picado traditional art decorates homes, businesses, markets and altars made of thin tissue paper cut in large quantities hung in repetitious patterns
Tradiciones: las calaveras candies sugar and chocolate skulls marzipan coffins white chocolate skeletons
Tradiciones: las calacas handmade skeletons wooden masks show afterlife joyful active various designs brides and grooms musicians generals on horseback
References El Día de los Muertos: pictures and info http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/teachers/ Common misconceptions about the Day of the Dead http://www.inside-mexico.com/noes.htm History, Traditions, and Significance http://www.nacnet.org/assunta/dead.htm