El Día de los Muertos, also known as “Day of the Dead”, is a vibrant and colorful celebration that holds a central place in Mexican culture. Each year, families gather to honor their ancestors through rituals imbued with joy and respect, transforming mourning into an act of celebration.

Beyond Mexico's borders, El Día de los Muertos inspires people of all cultures to reflect on how they celebrate the memory of their loved ones. In a world where funeral traditions can sometimes seem austere, this holiday provides an opportunity to forge links between generations and share stories that bring us closer together.

In this article, we delve into the origins, workings, rites and traditions of El Día de los Muertos, while highlighting the importance, as a funeral complex, of knowing how to adapt to the different cultures and religions of the families we serve.

 

The origins of the “Day of the Dead” in Mexico

This festival has its roots in pre-Columbian traditions, more specifically those of the Aztecs and Purepechas. These civilizations believed that the spirits of the deceased returned to Earth at specific times of the year to reunite with their families. Following European colonization, the influence of Spanish culture also shaped the way the holiday is celebrated today.

In 2008, El Día de los Muertos was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, underlining the importance and richness of this traditional celebration. This recognition testifies to the way in which the celebration has endured through the ages, while retaining the fundamental notions at its heart: the importance of commemorating the dead.

 

Rites and traditions of this celebration

El Día de los Muertos is a celebration rich in tradition, structured around key moments and specific elements that enable families to reconnect with their ancestors.

Celebrations include parades, music, dancing and fireworks, transforming cemeteries into party venues. Families gather to share memories and honor the departed in an atmosphere that is both joyous and solemn.

Markets and fairs are held in many towns, offering decorations, delicacies and souvenirs. These events reinforce the sense of community and belonging, a fundamental aspect of this holiday.

 

Day of the Dead important dates

El Día de los Muertos is celebrated mainly on November 1^st and 2^nd, but according to the beliefs surrounding this festival, the souls of the deceased begin to arrive as early as the night of October 27th. Each day is marked by unique rituals that strengthen the bond between the living and the dead.

Here are the dates on which the souls of each loved one are said to arrive:

• October 27: Deceased pets.
• October 28: People who passed away from tragic deaths.
• October 29: People who passed away by drowning.
• October 30: Those who have been forgotten.
• October 31: Children who deceased without being baptized.
• November 1^st: Children who have deceased.
• November 2^nd: Adults who have deceased.

 

Altars and offerings

Families create altars called altares or ofrendas in their homes or on their graves. Here is what is traditionally found in these places of commemoration:

Cempasúchil flowers

These orange flowers are placed on altars and in the streets to guide souls back to the world of the living.

Pan de muerto

These brioche-style sweet rolls, sometimes scented with orange blossom and sprinkled with sugar, are decorated with bone or cross designs.

Cross or Virgin Mary

These symbols were added to El Día de los Muertos altars with the arrival of the Catholic religion in Mexico.

Candles

Numerous candles add to the atmosphere of the wakes, as well as helping the souls of the deceased to find their way.

Incense

Copal is an incense burned in bowls placed on altars to purify the area and drive away malevolent spirits.

Calaveras

These colorful skulls are made of sugar, chocolate or marzipan, and have become a recognized symbol of El Día de los Muertos around the world.

Pictures

Pictures of deceased loved ones, placed at the top of the altar, identify the people to whom the offerings are dedicated.

Papel picado

These colorful paper decorations, cut in the shape of skeletons, crosses and other designs, adorn streets and altars.

Personal objects

On the altar, you'll find objects that belonged to the person being commemorated, or other things that represent them.

Food and drinks

Food and drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) enjoyed by the person whose memory is being honored are added to the altar.

 

For each colour, a different meaning

Colors play an essential role in Mexico's Festival of the Dead. They are omnipresent in papel picado decorations, clothing and even the make-up worn by those taking part in the festivities. Faces painted in calavera, inspired by skulls, have become emblematic of this festival, representing both the homage and the festive spirit of the celebration.

Here is the meaning of each color:

• Orange: mourning.
• Purple: Catholic religion.
• Blue: water-related mortality.
• Red: childbirth or war-related mortality.
• Green: young deceased.
• White: children.
• Yellow: the elderly.
• Black: the underworld.

 

Celebrating life and honoring memory

El Día de los Muertos is more than just a celebration; it's a vibrant tribute to lives past. This holiday highlights the importance of celebrating our ancestors and sharing their stories to keep their memory alive beyond time.

For families in the Greater Montreal area looking to honor their deceased with dignity and respect, Aeterna Funeral Complex is the ideal choice. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you in organizing meaningful funeral ceremonies that reflect your values and traditions.

With our respectful and inclusive approach, we make every tribute a memorable one, celebrating the life and legacy of your loved ones.

 

Multicultural funeral services in Montreal

At Aeterna Funeral Complex, we offer funeral services that respect the values, customs and traditions of each culture. Our team is trained to accompany families through the grieving process, offering services in 13 languages to ensure that each family feels understood and supported.

We understand that each culture has its own rituals and practices, and our team is here to adapt to these needs. Whether it's specific rituals or cultural elements that need to be included, we're here to support you.

Contact our team to make an appointment and plan a memorial ceremony that reflects your culture.