Mexico Day Of The Dead Essay

Mexico: Day of the Dead

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

― Richard Puz, The Carolinian

Here in Honduras, we mourn our loved ones as they pass by with funeral services and dressed in dark and solemn clothing. It is usually a sad time in our families when we have to say goodbye to our loved ones. Different cultures mourn and treat death differently with traditions that have been around for centuries. A culture that has created a unique and interesting way of dealing with death and the deceased is Mexico. Mexico is colorful, loud and lots of fun. The people, the food and the celebrations are brilliant, loud and second to none. So, when it comes to death, in true Mexican style, Mexicans celebrate

Confetti

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Papel picado means perforated paper and is an integral part of Mexican culture. The art stems from the Aztec tradition of chiseling spirit figures out of wood. It is used during the Day of the Dead celebrations by placing them on the altars and in the streets. The offerings display fire, water, earth, and air. The chopped papers represent air on the altar.

All About Food

Mexico knows about food! There is no party without food in Mexico. Traditional foods are prepared during the Day of the Dead and shared with family, neighbors, strangers, and visiting spirits.

Pan de Muertos, or day of the dead bread, is an essential part of the festivities and is also placed on altars. Sugar Skulls are also enjoyed by young and old alike during this time. Mole, tamales, pozole and Azteca soup are prepared by families and the recipes are passed down from generation to generation.

How is today celebrated?

Current customs regarding the Day of the Dead festivities have morphed over the years to become the distinctive tradition that it is now. Flowers, altars, food, and music are integral

Countries that celebrate the Day of the Dead

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Mexico is not the only country that celebrates the Day of the Dead. Many other Latin countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Peru and Venezuela have their different ways of welcoming their deceased loved ones. Some not as colorful and festive as the Mexican version, but still a spiritual time for families to come together and reflect.

Traditions and customs vary by country, but the basic beliefs remain the same. Even in

Mexico, customs vary depending on the area of Mexico. The Day of the Dead tends to be celebrated more elaborately in central and southern Mexico.

All Souls' Day is celebrated in parts of Europe, but nowhere near the equivalent of the festive Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico.

The Day of the Dead seems to me to be a very special day and we could say "sacred" especially for Mexico. I think it is interesting to know different cultures and countries and I personally love Mexico. I would like to be able to go one day. I believe that we can learn something from all cultures and from the Day of the Dead I learned that we can dedicate a whole day to our loved ones who are no longer with