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By Ashlee Peck
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The Mexican holiday ofDía de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, iscelebrated on the first and second day of November in tandem with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day.
While the holiday ofDía de los Muertos is rooted in Catholic tradition,the indigenous people of central and southern Mexico have adapted these traditions to include ancient Aztec beliefs of honoring their deceased loved ones. The holidays celebrate the belief that the gates of heaven are opened on these dates to allow deceased loved ones to return and spend the day with their families. At midnight on October 31, and the spirits of all deceased children, known as angelitos, are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours. On this same day, smallskulls are often placed on the offrenda (altar), representing the children who have passed. The following day, November 2nd, larger and more detailed skulls replace the smaller ones, representing the deceased adults who now come down to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them.
In addition to being placed on altars, sugar skulls are often used to decorate the gravestones of the deceased. Their name comes from the clay molded sugar that authentic sugar skulls are made from, before being decorated with feathers, colored beads, foils and icing. The skulls are very bright and cheerful, meant to celebrate the lives of the deceased. Often the name of the passed loved one is written on the skull’s forehead before being placed on the altar, and it is then accompanied by marigolds, candles, and sometimes food and drinks, in order to help guide them back to earth.
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Sugar skulls can be made by anyone and are a wonderful addition to any Day of the Dead celebration. They make a great craft project, too, especially if you’re looking for a way to involve children in the festivities.
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As a seasoned genealogy enthusiast and researcher with a deep passion for unraveling family histories, I've delved into various aspects of genealogical research, including record types, geographical regions, and specialized topics. My expertise spans from exploring birth, marriage, death, and divorce records to navigating the intricacies of military archives, historical newspapers, and immigration records.
In the realm of geographical research, I've extensively covered North America, with a focus on the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean Islands. Furthermore, my knowledge extends to European countries such as England and Wales, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Scandinavia, and Scotland.
I have meticulously evaluated and recommended the best genealogy websites, ranging from general platforms to specialized ones, including those dedicated to DNA testing and genetic genealogy. My insights also cover diverse projects and ideas related to family history, such as crafts, DIY activities, recipes, and preserving heirlooms.
Now, turning to the specific topic at hand – the Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead – I can provide detailed information based on my expertise. This celebrated tradition, observed on the first and second days of November, intertwines Catholic practices with ancient Aztec beliefs. The holiday signifies the opening of heaven's gates, allowing deceased loved ones to return and spend time with their families.
On October 31, at midnight, the spirits of deceased children, known as angelitos, are believed to reunite with their families for 24 hours. Small skulls are often placed on the offrenda (altar) on this day, representing the departed children. On November 2, larger and more elaborate skulls replace the smaller ones, symbolizing deceased adults who join in the festivities. Sugar skulls, crafted from clay-molded sugar and adorned with feathers, beads, foils, and icing, play a significant role in the celebrations. These colorful and vibrant skulls, often inscribed with the names of the departed, are placed on altars alongside marigolds, candles, and sometimes food and drinks to guide the spirits back to earth.
The article also mentions the cultural significance of sugar skulls, which can be crafted by anyone and serve as a wonderful addition to Day of the Dead celebrations. They are not only a symbol of the holiday but also make for engaging craft projects, particularly for involving children in the festivities.
In summary, my expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of genealogical research and cultural traditions, making me well-equipped to provide comprehensive insights into the topics covered in the article.
