How Is the Day of the Dead Celebrated?
El Día de los Muertos is not, as is commonly assumed, a Mexican version of Halloween, though both holidays do share some traditions, including costumes and parades. On the Day of the Dead, it’s thought that the border between the spirit globe as well as the real life liquifies. Throughout this brief duration, the souls of the dead awaken and return to the living world to feast, consume alcohol, dance and also play music with their enjoyed ones. In turn, the living member of the family treat the deceased as recognized guests in their parties, and leave the deceased’s preferred foods as well as other offerings at gravesites or on the ofrendas built in their houses. Ofrendas can be enhanced with candle lights, bright marigolds called cempasuchil and red penis’s combs together with food like stacks of tortillas and also fruit.
One of the most prominent signs related to the Day of the Dead are calacas (skeletal systems) and also calaveras (heads). In the early 20th century, the printer as well as cartoonist José Guadalupe Posada integrated skeletal figures in his art buffooning political leaders and also talking about advanced politics. His most popular work, La Calavera Catrina, or Elegant Skull, features a women skeletal system embellished with makeup and worn elegant garments. The 1910 etching was meant as a statement about Mexicans embracing European fashions over their own heritage and also customs. La Calavera Catrina was then embraced as one of the most identifiable Day of the Dead icons.
Wicca and also Samhain
A broad revival of Samhain resembling its typical pagan kind began in the 1980s with the growing appeal of Wicca.
Wicca celebration of Samhain handles many kinds, from the conventional fire ceremonies to parties that embrace several elements of modern-day Halloween, as well as activities associated with honoring nature or ancestors.
Wiccans take a look at Samhain as the passing of the year, as well as incorporate typical Wiccan customs into the celebration.
In the Druid practice, Samhain celebrates the dead with an event on October 31 and normally features a bonfire and communion with the dead. American pagans typically hold songs and also dance events called Witches’ Spheres in distance to Samhain.
Celtic Reconstructionists
Pagans who embrace Celtic traditions with the intent of reestablishing them faithfully into modern paganism are called Celtic Reconstructionists.
In this tradition, Samhain is called Oiche Shamhna and commemorates the mating between Tuatha de Danann gods Dagda and River Unis. Celtic Reconstructionists celebrate by placing juniper decors around their houses as well as creating an altar for the dead where a feast is kept in honor of departed enjoyed ones.
Link: https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/day-of-the-dead
