El Da de los Muertos

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El Día de los Muertos
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Background

• More than 500 years ago, when the Spanish
  conquistadors landed in what is now Mexico, they
  found natives practicing a ritual that seemed to
  mock death.
• It was a ritual the poor people had been
  practicing at least 3,000 years which the
  Spaniards unsuccessfully tried to eliminate.
• A ritual known today as Dia de los Muertos, or
  Day of the Dead, is now celebrated in Mexico and
  certain parts of the United States.

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Beliefs

• El Día de los Muertos is celebrated in
  remembrance of all who have died, similar to our
  Memorial Day.
• On Nov 1st and 2nd the deceased supposedly come
  back for a visit and expect to find a variety of
  treats awaiting them.
• Some believe that tricks or even illness will
  come to a family if an altar is not prepared.

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Altars include

• Photograph of the honoree
• Papel Picado (punched paper)
• Candles
• Candy skulls
• Flowers
• Pan de muertos (bread of the dead)
• A towel, soap, small bowl and pitcher of fresh
  water

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http//www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/altar/
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Celebration

• Parades are staged where people masquerade as
  skeletons.
• Food, such as pan de muertos (bread of the dead)
  and sugar candy skulls with peoples names on
  them are popular.
• Toys dealing with death featuring skulls and
  coffins are also popular.

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Symbols

• Calacas (skulls) symbolize death and rebirth
• Skulls are used to honor the dead
• Wooden skulls worn by people dancing in honor of
  their deceased relatives

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More Symbols

• Flowers - marigolds
• Colors
• Purple pain
• White hope
• Pink - celebration

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Holy Day

• Church services
• Prayers
• Lighting candles
• Crosses made of marigold petals
• All-night prayer vigils at cemeteries

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Events Timeline
October 31st - noon
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November 1st - noon
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November 2nd - noon
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More Photos
http//www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/photos/intro.htm
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You may view this presentation on my teacher
websiteEl "website" de la Srta. González