Day of the Dead
đź–¤ Big Love & Day of the Dead đź–¤
“LIFE WAS A DREAM -
ONLY IN DEATH DID THEY TRULY AWAKEN”
I’ve been fascinated by the imagery of day of the dead celebrations for years, without being aware of its origins. So, I’ve done a little reading to discover this pretty basic overview.
It will be of no surprise to learn that DĂa de Muertos is celebrated throughout Mexico to honour loved ones who have died.
For thousands of years the Aztecs partook of this important ritual in the ninth month of the Aztec Solar Calendar, (around the beginning of August)
For a whole month Festivities & rituals were carried out under the watchful eye of the goddess,
Mictecacihuatl “Lady of the Dead,” (Who was believed to have died at birth)
As with many sacred rituals, it was altered as a result of the conquistadors.
Despite their best efforts, the Catholics rulers were unsuccessful in eradicating the ritual -considering it sacriligious. However, they were successful in morphing it into something more Christian-to be celebrated with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov 1 & 2.
Unlike the Spaniards, who viewed death as the end of life, the indigenous people welcomed Death - seeing it as the continuation of life.
To them, life was a dream and only in death did they truly awake. đź–¤
To honour and commune with the dead, cemeteries are decorated with marigold flowers, candles, toys for dead children, bottles of tequila for the adults & favorite food of their loved ones. “Playful calacas and calaveras (skeletons and skulls), are usually seen in festive attire, enjoying (after)life to the fullest.
Colorful ofrendas or altars are set up in many homes, surrounded by favorite food and drink, as well as photographs and cherished mementos, plus sweet Pan de Muertos and sugar skulls.
Burning candles and incense is also customary to evoke the spirit world, and serve as a reminder that
DEATH IS JUST ANOTHER PART OF LIFE AND HUMAN CONNECTIONS WILL ALWAYS ENDURE”
đź–¤
Images via #mediummagazine