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The Día de los Muertos ofrenda at the Bandera Natural History and Art Museum.
Photo by Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
November 2, 2024
Feliz Día de los Muertos
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
On Nov. 2, many people celebrate El Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), when the veil between the spirit and physical world dissolves, and loved ones in both reunite for one day.
A rich blend of Mesoamerican and European cultures, the holiday dates back to pre-Columbian ancient civilizations, when indigenous empires treated death as a cyclical part of life rather than an end to it. Mementos and offerings are left on the graves of the departed, and in contemporary practices, an ofrenda, or altar, is prepared at home.
An ofrenda may be decorated with bright colors, candles and flowers, as well as favorite foods, candies, drinks, items and photos of the deceased. Also placed on an ofrenda may be the marigold, which is sometimes referred to as the Flor de Muerto, or Flower of the Dead. Its bright petals and scent are believed to guide souls to their family homes.
In 2008, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) named Mexico’s celebration of Día de los Muertos an “Indigenous festivity dedicated to the dead,” and added it to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
A rich blend of Mesoamerican and European cultures, the holiday dates back to pre-Columbian ancient civilizations, when indigenous empires treated death as a cyclical part of life rather than an end to it. Mementos and offerings are left on the graves of the departed, and in contemporary practices, an ofrenda, or altar, is prepared at home.
An ofrenda may be decorated with bright colors, candles and flowers, as well as favorite foods, candies, drinks, items and photos of the deceased. Also placed on an ofrenda may be the marigold, which is sometimes referred to as the Flor de Muerto, or Flower of the Dead. Its bright petals and scent are believed to guide souls to their family homes.
In 2008, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) named Mexico’s celebration of Día de los Muertos an “Indigenous festivity dedicated to the dead,” and added it to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.