The ofrendas speak of affection toward the deceased and are an expression of love towards life.Īltars are traditionally built on October 30th and 31st and are taken down November 2nd. The ofrendas represent a remembrance of the departed, a reminder that life is eternal and that presence of the deceased loved one is everlasting. Butterflies – symbolic icon representing the belief in some areas of Mexico that when the deceased leaves this world and passes to eternal life in the early morning of November 2nd, their soul returns to earth as a butterfly to visit their loved ones.Papel Picado – special paper cut in the shape of butterflies and other symbolic iconography.Mat or rug – placed at the foot of the altar for the soul to rest after their long journey home.Marigolds (cempasuchitl) flowers – dispersed along the entrance of the house, making a path towards the altar.Copal or incense – burned to guide the souls through its aroma.Each soul is represented by a lit candle, and an extra one is placed for the forgotten soul. Water – placed in a container for the souls to quench their thirst after its long journey to reach the altar.Tissue paper (our papel picado) is used to represent wind. The Wind – represented by a moving object as swift as the wind.Quail and birds are fed by the scratch and seed on the altar. Souls are fed by the aroma of the harvest. Offerings, representations and their meanings: In some instances, a path of flower petals directs the souls to their home altars. Home altars are decorated with marigolds (the flower of the dead) favorite dishes such as tamales, tortillas, pumpkin and mole candles incense (copal) toys and other enticements and objects of personal use. Throughout Mexico, altars called las ofrendas (“offerings”) are set up in homes to welcome home the souls of the dead. It is a happy, colorful celebration where the death is honored and the deceased are remembered and are enticed back to celebrate the joys of life. It is believed that the soul of the dead would visit the home where he or she resided. Today, death is perceived as a transition from one life to another and the Día de los Muertos celebration is a time of communication between the living and the deceased. In time, this pre-Hispanic celebration merged with the Catholic celebration of All Soul's Day and has evolved into the present-day Día de los Muertos celebration. The native peoples believed that upon death, the individual's soul did not die, that they continued to live on in Mictlan, a place of rest. The Día de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”) tradition extends throughout Latin America, but is most closely identified with Mexico. Looking for Day of the dead craft activities ?! Learn about the significance and symbolism of November 2nd with our easy Dia de los muertos crafts ! Decorate these Day of the dead skull crafts with colorful foil art for kids and gemstone stickers.What is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)? Though some Latinx that are celebrating may dress up as skeletons or skulls, this is a means of celebration and honor, not a costume for Halloween! Happy crafting! Sugar Skulls (Calaveras) & Skeleton (Calacas) Crafts 1) Artsy Dinos "Velvet Foil Art: Dia de los Muertos!" Note: Dia de los muertos is NOT Mexican Halloween. November 2 is All Souls Day or the Day of the Dead.Ĭheck out our dia de los muertos blog post here!Īt Artsy Dinos, we love crafting and learning! It's such a great way to build a powerful moment and reinforce learning and celebratons! Enjoy these craft ideas! November 1 is “el Dia de los inocentes” or the day of the children and “All Saints Day”. October 31 is Halloween or “All Hallows Eve”. The "Days of the Dead” refers to October 31 – November 2. While the holiday originated in Mexico, it is celebrated all over Latin America. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration of life and death. During the days of the dead, the family often takes the opportunity to visit the gravesite and pull weeds, clean any debris and decorate the graves of loved ones. The Day of the Dead is a time of celebration and remembrance of loved ones who have passed away. What is Dia De los Muertos and its meaning?
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