This november 2nd, Mexico celebrates one of the most important dates of its country : el Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). More than a celebration, this day is part of the immaterial and cultural patrimony of the humanity of the Unesco. What does this celebration mean and why is it so important ?
History and celebration
El Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican catholic celebration, organized to commemorate dead people. This date comes from Mexican civilization but is also celebrated in the Philippines and hispanic states of the USA. Even though its official day is on November 2nd, festivities last a few days. El Dia de los Muertos is an occasion for Mexicans to tribute dead people with joy and gathering.
Even though this commemoration is solemn and religious, its celebration is way more joyful. Every year, El Dia de los Muertos follows the same ritual. First two days are dedicated to young “angelitos” (altars, flowers…). and adults (offerings). November 2nd represents the height of the commemoration : celebration of all dead.
All citizens go to their relative’s grave and throw petals while lighting candles. They also use this day to clean up graves and leave offerings and cempasuchil flowers on it (Indian roses). In Antiquity, cempasuchil yellow petals symbolized sunbeams. They were placed on caskets because Mexicans thought they would guide the deads to their home.
Cultural importance
El Dia de los Muertos has been part of hispanic culture since millennials. It’s important to understand the place of this date in Mexicans’ hearts. El Dia de los Muertos extols massive values as blessing or the relation to traditions and family.
Even though El Dia de los Muertos is essentially celebrated in Mexico, altar tradition is used in numerous Asian countries (Vietnam, China, Japan). Commemorating the dead is a holy tradition in history. That’s why every nation has its own way to do it.
Transmit social links through generations
It has been proven that opening itself to a foreign culture solidifies social links and facilitates integration. For example, El Dia de los Muertos is important for the Mexican community : to socialize with them, it’s way better to know the customs and the origins of this celebration.
Moreover, having interest in a celebration goes beyond its values. Discovering a new culture by its own will is a sign of an open mind. Rana Kandeel, modern languages teacher at Yarmouk University explains : “Culture is a knowledge and a useful action during interaction. Discovering a new culture helps to understand languages et socialization”.
Celebration on its own
To celebrate El Dia de los Muertos on your own, you can make a manual activity related to this date. Why don’t you draw some flowered skulls ? Funny and colored, those skulls are an excellent way to distract children and to initiate them to a new culture.
