Celebrating Ancestors Through Day Of The Dead (Día De Los Muertos)

How would you like to participate in a family reunion with the dead?

Day Of The Dead And Halloween

Day of the Dead, referred to in English translates to Día De Los Muertos in Spanish. It is celebrated in Mexico, on November 1st and 2nd. Day of the Dead is meant as a celebration of those family and friends who have passed on to the spirit world. It is a way to celebrate their memory through visual representation and tasty treats. Day of the Dead is known to mark the transition of seasonal change from light to dark during the Fall season.

Halloween is not associated with the Day of the Dead.

When I hear people talk about setting up alter displays for Halloween or even dressing up in costume for Halloween, I shake my head and ask myself, “When did these two holidays become the same?” Both are completely different holidays. Yes, they both occur in the Fall and involve candy and dress-up but they should not be celebrated the same.

What Is An Altar?

Families celebrate Day of the Dead by creating what is referred to as an altar, or ofrenda in Spanish. Some form of display is used as an altar. Most use a table. However, everyone’s altar is their own creation.

The purpose of the altar is to display photos of loved ones lost and incorporate all their favorite things, including treats. Afterall, spirits do get hungry.

My Day of the Dead alter display. I set up my version of an alter ever year after Halloween.

Who Is The Skeleton Lady?

It is tradition for the Day of the Dead Celebration to paint your face with makeup that resembles sugar skulls. In addition, a bonnet, crown with flowers or thorns and a dress are a part of the traditional attire. This traditional look emulates who was originally referred to as The Lady of Death, the goddess, known as La Calavera Catrina. Festival goers emulate her look with elaborate colors and designs. Each person’s individuality and style come out when they dress up.

*La Calavera de la Catrina, 1913, Jose Guadalupe Posada.*

Where Do I Celebrate?

Day of the Dead celebrations traditionally take place at the grave sites of those who have died. It has become popular for cemeteries in the Los Angeles area to host a day of celebration. All are welcome. You can also celebrate in your home or another public place of your choice.

I have included a photo from my attendance at the Day of the Dead Celebration at Forest Lawn Glendale on October 30, 2022.

*My niece Luna and I in Day of the Dead makeup and floral headdress.*

I Am Not Mexican. Can I participate?

Absolutely! Day of the Dead is for all those who wish to celebrate their deceased loved ones.

I have heard Day of the Dead is referred to as a morbid holiday. I beg to differ. Day of the Dead is a rare day! It is a celebration of life filled with color, music, tradition, and most importantly, memories.

When you think back to those loved ones that have passed on to the spirit world you naturally miss them. You reminisce about the times shared and wish to go back to those moments. The lighting of the candles on your altar invites your loved ones to follow the lighted path and visit you one more time. It is a reunion. A reunion for just a moment. How incredible, right?