The Day of the Dead is closer than it seems, and in the midst of this very Mexican celebration, it’s good to remember the purpose of setting up an altar to the dead.
Why is an altar to the dead set up?
This charming Mexican custom has its origins in pre-Hispanic traditions. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development says that the Mexica, for example, “celebrated their dead after the harvest season, between the months of September and November.”
Lilian Scheffler, a master’s degree in Anthropology from UNAM and a specialist in ethnology from ENAH, mentions that the Nahuatl “dedicated festivities to the dead with offerings and songs on different dates.”
Similarly, Scheffler asserts that “in the Iberian Peninsula, during the 16th century, an annual visit was made to the cemetery, and bread, wine, and flowers were placed on the graves.”
Therefore, the Day of the Dead as we know it today, with offerings and flowers in cemeteries and homes, is the result of the cultural fusion that characterizes Mexico.
When is the Day of the Dead offering placed?
Regarding when to place the Day of the Dead offering, some assume that, due to the name, it should be placed exactly on November 2nd, but it’s not that simple.
Therefore, October 28th is an offering for those who died tragically, due to violence or accidents. The 30th and 31st are dedicated to children who died without being baptized.
November 1st is dedicated to children and young people, and November 2nd is the day the souls of adults are received.
The Day of the Dead was declared an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2003. UNAM mentions that it is a celebration “that encompasses the entire country and commemorates the dead, who are welcomed into cemeteries or homes with marigold flowers, candles, food, sweets, and water.”
Source: informador
