Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) begins on the evening of October 31st. On that night, the spirits of the children (angelitos) arrive, with the spirits of the adults following on the 1st of November. Family graves are decorated and altars created to honor the occupations and special preferences of the ancestors. On Nov. 2nd, a large family meal is shared with favorite foods and the spirits are bid a fond goodbye until the next year.
These activities are reminiscent of the ancient Aztec festival that honored the Lady of the Dead - the Goddess Mictecacihuatl - during the summer corn harvest. It is now celebrated at the time of Samhain, Halloween, and All Soul's Day in many parts of the world, with differing traditions.
These activities are reminiscent of the ancient Aztec festival that honored the Lady of the Dead - the Goddess Mictecacihuatl - during the summer corn harvest. It is now celebrated at the time of Samhain, Halloween, and All Soul's Day in many parts of the world, with differing traditions.
(© La Catrina art by P.Kratochvil)
In Her Name ~ Temple of Learning
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