Death can be a dark and scary concept, but in many cultures over many centuries, the time of the year in which the veil between the living and the dead comes down has served as a ritual to embrace the lives of those who mean the most to us. For Mexicans during Día de los Muertos and many other cultures, this celebration is meant to never forget, to keep the soul and teachings of those who marked us alive. During Día de los Muertos the living welcome the dead with joy. At the core of this Mexican tradition, lies a rich tapestry of culture, memory, and symbolism, in which colors and food play a crucial role
The Meaning Behind Día de Muertos’ Elements
Central to this vibrant and heartfelt commemoration are a multitude of symbolic elements, each carrying profound cultural significance. From the radiant marigolds that guide ancestral spirits to the meticulously crafted sugar skulls and ornate altars, every aspect of this tradition weaves together a rich tapestry of meaning and remembrance.
- A Festive Altar
Central to the festivities is the construction of an altar, known as an “ofrenda,” adorned with a myriad of vibrant colors. Families meticulously arrange this altar, embellishing it with cempasúchil’s petals (a.k.a. marigolds), known as the “flower of the dead,” to guide the spirits of their loved ones back to the land of the living. The aroma of copal incense infuses the air, leading the way for the spirits with its distinct and purifying scent.
Photographs of the departed, their favorite food and beverages, as well as personal belongings, are all thoughtfully placed on the altar. This arrangement serves as a heartfelt invitation, inviting the souls of the departed to reunite with their loved ones, even if only for a fleeting moment.
- Colors That Speak of Life and Vibrancy
A striking aspect of Dia de los Muertos is the prominence of vivid colors that saturate every aspect of the celebration. Each hue holds a significant meaning, contributing to the overall vibrancy of the commemoration.
Marigold yellow (like the cempasúchil flower) symbolizes the sun, guiding the souls back to the world of the living, while vibrant red embodies life and the blood of those who have passed. Pink, on the other hand, is the color of celebration, signifying a tribute to the deceased. The color white represents renewal and purity, signifying the hope of a new beginning.
- Awakening Nostalgia and Love Through Culinary Delights
This date is a great opportunity for families to prepare the favorite dishes of their loved ones, creating an exquisite feast that embodies the essence of remembrance and celebration. It is believed that the spirits of the departed partake in the essence of the food’s aroma, savoring the flavors that once brought them joy during their earthly existence.
From the succulent sweetness of sugar skulls to the rich aroma of tamales and the bittersweet taste of pan de muerto, each delicacy encapsulates the spirit of the celebration, evoking a sense of joy and nostalgia among those honoring their ancestors.
Reviving Happy Memories: The Essence of Día de los Muertos
It is a hard moment in life when you lose someone you love. Saying goodbye, letting go, and embracing the shadows, are moments that no human wants to go through. But cultures like the Mexican, have found a way to shake the darkness of death and celebrate the life that has passed through this realm.
Día de los Muertos is a celebration of happy memories. A two-day festivity in which the skulls are not scary but sugary, the altars are not made of gray stone but vibrant colors, and the food awakens those special moments in which the tables were complete. It is a celebration of the continuity of life itself, a reminder that death is not definite.
As the dates of Día de los Muertos come closer, from COCINA we’d like to invite you to try Pan de Muerto’s recipe, look for pictures of those who are no longer here, light colorful candles, and build your altar.
