“In this job we deal with so many things, and, in the end, death is something very, very common, right? It’s just one more step that all people, rich and poor, have to go through,” he said. He lives among the bowels of the Earth where everything changes, even the notion of time - he measures time by how long it takes to dig pits. Raúl Flores, 57, is a gravedigger at the Panteón Francés de la Piedad cemetery. "What is a fact is that the Mexican's obsession with mixing death with a celebration of rituals and daily life is something very much ours," Rodríguez Balam said, "and that is what draws attention in other parts of the world." People take part in the "Day of the Dead Parade" in Mexico City on Oct. Mexican culture's fascination with and respect for death has been a recurring motif in the country’s literary tradition. Important writers such as José Revueltas, Carlos Fuentes, Octavio Paz and Juan Rulfo have reflected on this in their works. Some practices include making altars on tombstones. In some towns in Mexico there are dances with masks it's believed that the souls of the dead temporarily take over the bodies of the living. In some towns in Guatemala, the celebrations lead to parties where people end up singing in cemeteries among the dead.įew celebrations are as peculiar as those that take place in the Pomuch cemetery, in the Mexican state of Campeche, where the Cleaning of the Holy Remains takes place. In that town, the remains of loved ones rest in boxes at the cemetery and, every year, people gather to clean their relatives' bones. Portraits of loved ones are the physical representation of those who are no longer on Earth, and their favorite dishes are also part of the celebration. The izcuintle dog helps the souls to cross the powerful river before entering Mictlan. Bread is a Christian element that symbolizes "the Body of Christ," according to the Institute. The candles are light and guide the souls so they can return to their old places: The number of candles on the altar will depend on the souls that the family wants to receive. If the candles are placed in the shape of a cross, they represent the cardinal points so that souls can find their way home.Ĭopal or incense is used to cleanse places of evil spirits. In general, flowers adorn the room of the soul marigolds are stripped in some places to make paths of petals and guide the deceased to the offering. Water is a symbol of life and is included so that the souls recover after their long journey. Since ancient times, salt has been an element of purification because, among other things, it helps prevent bodies from becoming corrupted. For example, in the Huasteca arches with flowers and fruits are placed that invite the dead to enter to the earthly world."Īccording to the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples, each element has a specific meaning. Depending on the region there are changes. "In general, the offerings contain salt, water, copal (tree resin), candles, flowers, papel picado (paper cut-outs), skulls, photographs of loved ones and the deceased’s favorite dishes.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS 2021 SF MOVIE
"Although it began with the saints and the faithful departed, now it has become popular to put movie stars, grandparents, saints and even pets," Martínez said.
In Spain, "the kingdoms of León, Aragón and Castile prepared sweets and breads similar to relics, which are the remains or bones of saints," Martínez said.
The festivity dates back to the 11th century, when the abbot of Cluny created a special day to honor believers who died when Christianity was still considered a sect and persecutions and executions were frequent. By the 13th century, the Roman Catholic Church established Nov.
From the 11th century to 'Coco' and 'Spectre' 30 is dedicated to those who died without being baptized and are in limbo. 28 is celebrated for those who died tragically or accidentally, and Oct.
Popular beliefs vary depending on the Mexican region. "It is a purely Catholic tradition that the Spaniards bring to Mexico and merges with the entire worldview or form of Mesoamerican thought. It is a festival that gives us belonging and unites us," Martínez said. cities such as Los Angeles and New York, where large offerings, parades and cultural events are held. Countries like Spain, the Philippines, Brazil and Guatemala, among others, also have traditions to celebrate their deceased.īoth public places and homes are filled with altars or offerings to commemorate loved ones with their favorite things, and decorations include cempasúchil flowers (marigolds), paper cut-outs, candles, salt, water, chocolate, sugar skulls, pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and the favorite foods and liquor of the deceased. Día de los Muertos is celebrated not just across Mexico, but also in U.S.
0 kommentar(er)
