Day of The Dead in Different Cultures

Introduction

The origin of the Day of the Dead celebration is not completely clear. It is most commonly believed to be the result of a combination of both Mesoamerican and Spanish cultures. During pre-Hispanic times, the Aztecs celebrated Mictecacihuatl, the goddess of the dead, once a year. This event was rooted in the belief in an afterlife. There is historical evidence that this celebration was held during the colonial period, but there is little information linking pre-Hispanic cultures and the modern Day of the Dead. This leaves us with questions about the true origin of the celebration. Therefore, the most accepted theory is that its origin lies in syncretism (Lopez, 2020).

Day of the Dead in Different Cultures

The Day of the Dead is not necessarily a somber occasion. Instead, it is a day to celebrate the deceased with family and to remember them fondly. It is more about an intimate gathering. According to Octavio Paz, this celebration has provided Mexicans with a unique cultural identity, as they have a very "special relationship with death" (Paz, 1961). The Day of the Dead has many variations across the country. For instance, in the Yucatan Peninsula, particularly in Campeche, people traditionally open tombs and clean the clothes of the deceased. In the capital and its surroundings, it is common to set up altars either at home or in the cemetery, often decorated with Cempasuchil flowers and sugar skulls. In the north, it is customary to hold altar competitions, parades, and dances featuring the Catrina, along with gastronomical events. In this part of the country, the celebration holds more social significance. In Michoacán, where the celebration originated, the main epicenter is Janitzio Island, where Purepecha traditions have been preserved. One particular tradition in some parts of the state involves communities waking up in the morning to hunt ducks and eat them later. Despite the regional differences, all variations share common elements, such as the use of photographs and meals that reflect the preferences of the deceased (García, 2018).

Day of the Dead in Latin America

Most Latin American countries have the tradition of visiting cemeteries and creating altars with elements in honor of the deceased. Some countries take this tradition to the next level, incorporating unique practices. For example, in Guatemala, communities fly kites to scare away bad spirits. In Nicaragua, people sleep next to the tombs of the deceased throughout the night. In Peru, families offer their deceased a full banquet of food, allowing the spirit to enjoy it for 24 hours (Rodriguez, 2019). These practices highlight the cultural richness and diversity of the Day of the Dead celebrations across Latin America, emphasizing the strong connection between the living and the dead in these societies.