By: Briana
“El dia de los muertos,” or as we know it in English “the day of the dead,” is a tradition originating in Mexico. This tradition is celebrated every November 1st and 2nd, dating back as far as 3,000 years. The people who celebrate this tradition believe that the veil between the living realm and dead realm is lifted and that they can commune with their deceased friends and relatives. These people also believe that their deceased friends and relatives are insulted if they are mourned on this day, which is the reason that this holiday consists of dancing, eating, and celebrating.
The historical roots of “el dia de los muertos” stretch back to pre-hispanic cultures of Mesoamerica, including the Nahua, the Aztecs, the Mayans, the Tolecas, the Tlaxcaltec, the Chichimec, and the Tecpanec. When Spanish conquistadors conquered these pre-hispanic people, the “El dis de los muertos” custom was so deeply rooted in their cultures that even after 5 centuries of colonial rule it continues to this day and remains celebrated as it was in it first began.
The modern people who celebrate this holiday believe that souls do not die, but that they continue living in Mictlan (Place of death), which is a special world for these souls to finally rest. On November 1st and 2nd each year, when “Dia de los muertos” is celebrated, it is believed that the dead return to earth to visit their living relatives. Although the living relatives can't physically see their deceased loved ones they believe that they can still feel each other's presence. “Dia de los muertos” is a special time for remembering, celebrating, story telling, and teaching future generations about their ancestors. This tradition also teaches future generations not to be afraid of the past or to be afraid of the dead, but rather to appreciate and to remember those who have gone before them.
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