The original Mexican culture was violently altered by the Spanish invasion. For better or worse, we now live in a land where two worlds encountered each other in a "continental collision". The Day of the Dead is a perfect example of Mexico's cultural mix.Currently celebrated on the nights of November 1st and 2nd, it is one of the country's most representative and defining traditions.
According to the Aztec tradition, all those who died from an illness or by accident went to Tlacocán, the house of God Tlaloc (of Rain), where he received them into their new lives. There they'd spend the rest of eternity hunting butterflies, eating delicious fruits and playing ball. Those who died by natural causes had to commence a 4-year-long journey, in which they faced the worst dangers and adversities. Any who'd complete the trip, would arrive to Mictlán (Land of the dead) where Mictlantecuhtli (Lord of the dead's realm) would take them in. During the 4 years, the dead were able to visit their loved ones once a year, therefore the offerings for the dead on that day. Offerings were placed on an altar where flowers, food, water and fire were put as an invitation to feast with the living family.
Marigolds (cempasúchil, from náhuatl xempóatlxóchitl: flower of 20 petals) were placed in bunches and petals were scattered forming a trail to guide the soul to the offerings. Water was to be found to quench thirst and relieve tiredness. Food was served to provide energy for the long journey ahead, and fire was lit to guide the way through darkness, to Mictlán. Orange is the color of mourning for Aztecs. These rituals were performed during the months of Ochpaniztli and Teotleco, which coincide with August in the Gregorian calendar. They were mainly related to the end of the agricultural year, when crops were abundant therefore offered to the dead and the gods.
For the Spaniards, celebrating the dead was an occasion for mourning their loved ones. These were days of prayer and introspection. November 1st is All Saints Day, and the 2nd was dedicated to the faithful departed. When both traditions met, each sacrificed an element of its own. For the Mexicans it was the date, which became the first days of November according to the Gregorian calendar. For the Spaniards, the sober mourning mood of the event was changed to one of joyful communion with the departed.
Still today one can find entire families attending cemeteries, placing food, flowers, candles and "bread of the dead"over the graves. During the Día de los Muertos, between prayers, tears and laughter, candles will burn providing a guiding light for those who walk through the darkness that leads to eternity, teaching us the living to cope with our own deaths and to not be afraid, but rather to be grateful that one day we will rest in tranquility.
