Behind the Design
Day of the Dead Calacas
April 14, 2016
More than 500 years ago, when the Spanish Conquistadors landed in what is now central Mexico, they encountered natives practicing a ritual that seemed to mock death. It was a ritual the indigenous people had been practicing at least 3,000 years. A ritual the Spaniards would try unsuccessfully to eradicate.
Pre-Hispanic cultures believed that during these days of the year the souls of the departed would return to the realm of the living, where they could visit their loved ones. With the arrival of the Spanish and Christianity, the new rulers of Mexico attempted to marshal the celebrations dedicated to the dead under the auspices of All Saints Day and All Soul's Day. The dates of these two Catholic holidays are now celebrated in Mexico as Días de los Muertos. This holiday is celebrated in Mexico and certain parts of the United States. Although the ritual has since been merged with Catholic theology, it still maintains the basic principles of the Aztec ritual, such as the use of skulls.
Many celebrate this tradition with fun home accents and folk art. Traditions surrounding this holiday vary from region to region, but in many homes temporary alters are constructed to bear flowers, bread, fruit, candy, cigarettes and even tequila as offerings for the dead.
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