By Daniela Maya Pelayo
Have you ever thought of death? Most of us, starting to think about it, get gloomy and change the topic as quickly as possible. Death is a topic we all must think about at least once; it is inevitable, so why fear it? In my country, we celebrate it instead!
Mexico’s tradition of El Día de Muertos (the Day of the Dead) started before the Spaniards conquered the land and destroyed some of our customs and traditions. It is rather funny to think that this one is still actual – a tradition connected to death that survived through centuries against all the odds. It has changed and evolved through time, for example, because of the religious influences that the country had, but the core idea of honoring our ancestors has remained. Despite the globalization and that big companies like Disney, Lego and Barbie have made products from this Mexican tradition, some might have never heard of it before, so let me explain.
Even though it is called the Day of the Dead, it lasts around seven days throughout the end of October and culminates in the most important date, on November 2. While in the United States families are turning their houses into spooky places and deciding which costumes to wear, families in Mexico get together to set an altar to honor their loved ones that passed away. Usually, it is placed in the living room or in some other common area, so that all visitors can see it. The most important elements in the “ofrenda” (or altar) are pictures of the deceased, candles to light their way back home from the afterlife, and salt to purify the spirit. Some religious elements like a cross or the picture of a saint are usually added, as well as a path of orange marigold flowers or, as they are called in Mexico, “cempasuchil” flowers.
There is also food involved, because we know how much our people miss the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. Plates with their favorite food are displayed: pozole, tamales and sopes. Maybe some tacos, too, but that’s not the only thing we enjoy eating in Mexico. The sweet tooth of our ancestors is also taken into consideration, and we set up tamarind candy for the ones that like some spice and big colorful lollipops for the kids that left too early from this life. The last element I have to mention is the “pan de Muerto” (bread of the Dead). A baked good that simulates bones as decoration, it is covered with sugar, and with every bite, you can taste a hint of orange citrus.
As you can see, in Mexico, we turn death into a colorful celebration. It is a day to remember and hug tightly the ones that are still with us. A celebration for the dead that reminds us of the pleasure of being alive.
