El Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican celebration of the deceased. Although this celebration is associated with the dead, it is not portrayed as a morbid or depressing time. It is a festive occasion that is full of life, color, and happiness. In Mexico, people hold Dia de los Muertos celebrations in cemeteries, in honor of their loved ones. They picnic at the grave sites and eat the favorite food of their loved ones. It is one big fiesta at the cemetery.
Vibrant altars are built to honor loved ones who have passed away. A Day of the Dead altar usually consists of pictures of the deceased loved ones, along with some possessions and favorite foods of the deceased family members. The altars are also decorated with papel picado, candles, muertitos, and marigolds.
This is a wonderful and joyful tradition to celebrate. It is a special day where we can take time to reflect on the good times we had with our loved ones. They may be gone, but they are never forgotten. On this day we lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of these dearest family members. 
I didn't get around to making an altar this year, but my sister made a pretty fantastic one at her house.
Notice the papel picado, muertitos and marigolds. These are symbols of Dia de los Muertos. Muertitos are happy skeletons that are dressed in festive colorful clothing. Marigolds are known as the "flower of the dead." Their scent is believed to attract the souls. She has a Coors Light can on display because my dad loved to drink his Coors Light while BBQing.
She even put up pictures of our dearly departed pets. There is a picture of her hamster, Petunia, our pet cockatiel we had while we were growing up, named Tessie, and my aunt's poodle, Juls.
Down at the bottom she has our dad's ROTC plaque that he received while in high school.Hope you enjoyed my little lesson on Dia de los Muertos!
Heart,
Dia de los Muertos images found via Google Images
1 comment:
Apollo has grown up this year my altar went untouched!
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