"Día De Los Muertos, a millenary tradition for Mexicans"



                             Martin Marquez ©    


 The Mexican tradition of Dia De Los Muertos is of pre-Hispanic origin, and is a World Cultural Heritage as named by UNESCO, a title which causes no surprise once its profound and complex beauty is appreciated. 


Dia De Los Muertos is a celebration those loved ones who have passed, a time to craft an ornate altar of offering decorated with fragrant flowers, lit candles, fresh fruit, and cherished photographs. Such an altar serves as a welcome-home sign, akin to when a family member returns from a trip abroad and finally arrives home.


In order to truly understand Dia De Los Muertos it is essential to understand the concept of death as the beginning of a journey in which the soul goes to a sacred place and periodically returns to the mundane world. 


My memory is replete with thousands of images of altars that I have seen throughout my life, especially during the years that I lived in Mexico City. Also of note are the impressive altars and celebrations in San Andrés Mixquic, a community in southwestern Mexico. The aromas of incense and freshly cut marigold flowers abound. Taking break from admiring the altars, it is time to purchase a delicious sweet bread called “pan de muertos” and to enjoy it with a cinnamon hot chocolate, and then come home with a sugar skull with your name written on it with frosting! 


I also fondly remember a trip that I made with my mother to the city of Michoacán. What amazing experience to spend a night of vigil in the "holy field" pantheon with the townspeople, who lovingly offered a plate of pozole and steaming fruit punch. I am so happy that now here in California this tradition is admired, that it is showcased in museums and libraries displaying an infinity of adorations. Not only indoors, but outside as well parades of perfectly dressed people representing the spirit of death, the other side of life.


How would you like to represent your own death? Your eternal spirit? Inquiry of this question will give you a great insight into its depth, many times over than simply donning a cadaver face-painting. Maybe you would like to make an offering to the one you loved? Remember the sacred duality of the mortal, and rejoice!

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