![]() This syncretism is the reason why finding the exact historical origin of the Día de los Muertos altars can become a difficult task. Today, the celebration of the Día de los Muertos blends elements from both the Aztec and the Catholic traditions. However, after the Spaniards conquered Mexico in the 16th century, the Catholic Church moved all indigenous traditions concerning the cult of the dead to November 1st (the Day of All Saints) and 2nd (the Day of all Souls), so they would fit into the Christian calendar.Įventually, the solemnity with which these two holidays were celebrated was replaced by a much more festive attitude, as Mexicans started to approach death with a particular sense of ‘cheerfulness’. In ancient times, the Aztecs held many rituals throughout the year to honor their dead. ![]() The roots of Día de los Muertos’ go deep into the Aztec era of Mexico. The Historical Origins of Día de los Muertos Altar Here’s a closer look at the history and elements of a traditional Día de los Muertos altar, and what each of these represents. However, traditional altars share a series of common elements, such as its structure, and the elements on top of it, including modeled human skulls (made of clay or ceramic), salt, marigolds flowers, food, drinks, some of the deceased’s personal belongings, candles, copal, incense, sugar skulls, water, and paper cortado cut-outs. One of the most significant traditions associated with this holiday is the decoration of personalized, homemade altars (known as ofrendas in Spanish), dedicated to the memory of the departed.Īltars are homemade and personalized, so each one of them is unique in its own way. It’s believed that during this celebration, the spirits of the dead come back to spend some time among the living, so families and friends gather to welcome the souls of their loved ones. This festivity takes place on the 1st and 2nd of November. ![]() The Historical Origins of Día de los Muertos Altarĭía de los Muertos is a multiple day holiday that originated in Mexico, and which celebrates the dead.These traditions led to the ofrendas we know today, and that continue to decorate graves and altars on Día de Muertos. Lit candles and seasonal fruits are used as well. It was in these days that many people place the altars in their homes along with the “pira” or pyre, which reference the tombs in the temples. In the XVIII century, the trend began to convert these figurines into gifts, called “ofrendas.” Skeletons with moving jaws skulls, popular characters represented as spirits and devils are some of the most representative figures. Miniature animals, gentlemen, military, priests, nuns and domestic objects were added to the alfeñique bones. They also began fabricating human bones that recalled relics of the saints using alfeñique-a paste made of sugar and almond oil they also made paper and wooden graves, such as the ones they placed in churches. Sometimes the altar itself is referred to as an ofrenda.Īccording to the article, Studies of Modern and Contemporary History of Mexico November 1st and 2 nd in Mexico City (1750-1900), by researcher and Mexican history professor Carmen Vásquez Mantecón, the imagination of Mexicans-along with their survival instinct-led them to fill the Day of the Dead festivities with the miniature symbols they sold in markets and plazas. It is used to refer to the things that are placed on the altar to attract the spirits.
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