Dia de los Muertos is a joyous celebration of the Native American peoples of Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America in which they remember their dead family and friends. The celebrants believe that the dead return to their families and friends during the Dia de los Muertos. Offerings of food and supplies are made to help the departed make their journey through the nine passages of the afterlife. Where that family member’s journey ends depends upon deeds performed during that person’s lifetime, and if those deeds were pleasing to the gods.

Today, the rural poor most commonly celebrate Dia de los Muertos. They construct elaborate altars replete with cempazuchitl (marigolds), candles and incense. Celebrants gather in cemeteries and play homemade drums and flutes. Vendors sell goods that can be offered to the departed on homemade altars.

The present Day of the Dead celebration coincides with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints and All Souls Days, November 1 and November 2.

The eighth grade decorated candied skulls and constructed an offering altar upon which they placed skulls, candles, and incense. The display was placed in the school library for the St. Mary Magdalen student body to enjoy.

Bibliography

"Day of the Dead". http://ted.ele.madison.tec.wi.us/dead.html. 10/6/99