Day Of The Dead Essay

To see countless skulls, graves, and hearing music may be an odd way to imagine a funeral for some. However, for the people of Latin America, this is beautiful portrayal and magnificent celebration of life after death. A large feast is served, graves are decorated, and altars are set up as colorful vigils. In Mexico, this is called the Day of the Dead or Dia de Muertos. This is the Mexican tradition of celebrating the afterlife and inviting the deceased spirits of loved ones back home. Many people today view death as a tragic and heartbreaking experience, but the people of Central America are elated to see their family members who have passed once again. This paper will discuss how the use of food, embellished altars, and music show commemoration …show more content…
First, families will visit the graves of their relatives. It is during this time that they decorate the grave site with earth, candles, and flowers. They will also participate in a picnic at the grave site where they interact with each other and other families and members of the community who are at the cemetery. Stories of those told are often all buried in the same cemetery. Thus, Day of the Dead acts as a method of grieving and companionship between groups of people in the community. Not only are the ancestors celebrated, but their roles and accomplishments within the community are commemorated as …show more content…
This symbolizes the path the dead will take across the heavens. These home altars are also garnished with religious trinkets and food offerings. The foods chosen are generally those that the deceased favored during his or her life. The kinds of things left on an altar are vast and can range from fruits, to cigarettes, and even alcoholic beverages. One of the staples left behind at the altar is salt, as it is considered to be the spice of life. All in all, the altar represents the notion that the cycle of life and death is an inevitable part of human existence. The most important message maintained throughout these ceremonies of the deceased are the remembrance of their souls and the celebration of life among the