10 Facts about the Day of the Dead

There are different ways and months when people pay respect to their loved ones, close relatives, and even friends who have already departed this mortal life. Aside from their birth and death dates, there is an appointed day across the globe when we remember them and memories shared, where most of them have been good experiences. This is not a time to mourn but a time to celebrate when  they were once with us. Hence, there are important facts that we ought to know for us to value not just their connections with us, but also how valuable the day is. It is also known as All Souls Day and it is not just a celebration for the Mexicans, but also for the Canadians and those who are living in the United States.




10. It is on November 02

Although this is mostly associated with the Mexican celebration where this event originated, nonetheless, this is really set in November 02 since there is a separate celebration being done in November 01 and 02.


9. A Celebration of Life


When people think of this day, they are thinking of sorrow, pain, grief, and suffering because someone who was close to their hearts left them. This is not the time to recall the feeling of loss but it is a time to live a new life. It is a time to move on but it does not mean that we will forget them. In fact, we could etch their memory in our hearts, especially the happy moments that we have had with them.


8. Constructions of Altar Decorated with Marigold
 
In Mexico, they do celebrate two consecutive days for their loved ones who already passed away in this mortal life where they create an altar with full decorations of marigold. Aside from that, they are filling the pathway towards the altar with marigold, significantly impressing that they will be guided to the altar.


7. November 01 Honors Deceased Children and Infants


This is the day where people usually visit cemeteries, create altars for the death of loved ones, and even make preparations prior to November 01 and 02. Nonetheless, November 01 is the time that people from Mexico give tribute to children because they represent innocence and purity. They are the young ones and infants who died at a tender age.


6. November 02 Honors Deceased Adult
 
This is the day for all the deceased adults where they are being remembered after their long years of stay here on earth.


5. Special Loaves of Bread is Baked

A special loaf of bread is being prepared and baked, known as Hojaldra, which is distinct for its kind of sweetness. It has a different shape compared to a regular type of pastry that can be bought in common days. It has four sections that represent cardinal directions that symbolizes to the direction of the soul.


4. Incense Is Use


Aside from marigold which is used when decorating the altar for that person who has died already, incense is one of the primary elements during altar preparation. It is part of the customs and traditions since they believe it shuns away negative energy, or better known as bad spirits, to lead them to the place where they have to go.


3. Food is Offer to their Graves


Along with flowers and bread, other leftover food is being offered. The Chinese has a different way of doing it, but not during the Day of the Dead where they serve the best of food and other offerings to their departed loved ones. Most of the offerings are hot chocolates, mole, tamales, and other foods available on your end. People in Mexico believe that their spirits consume the scents of these foods.


2. It is not Halloween
 
In some Asian countries and even in the United States, they thought of it as a Halloween Party wherein they would have to wear something scary to represent this day. In most cases, it falls on November 02 since November 01 is really the day to contemplate and make a peaceful commemoration of the deaths of their relatives, family, or associates. Nonetheless, it is not really a Halloween for the Mexicans, but a deep reflection to the souls of the loved ones who are dead.


1. Celebration Varies From October 31, November 01 and November 02


Where we are and whatever culture, traditions, and customs we are brought up by our parents and ancestors, the spirit of this day brings us to remember their worth and significance. It could have been a celebration for other countries in October 31, while others observe it in November 01 and November 02. Nonetheless, let us remember how these people feel whenever they see us doing something for them to reciprocate the love that we have for them that despite they are not presently with us, they are remembered and will never be forgotten by heart and mind because they are part of us.