Día de Muertos: A Reflection on The Ritual

Día de Muertos, also known as Día de los Muertos, is traditionally honored on November 1st and November 2nd, and sometimes on the days that follow or precede those dates, depending on the region. A Marin County Free Library staff member recently shared a beautiful post written by Maestra Grace Alvarez Sesma, a Cultural Practitioner (https://www.curanderismo.org/). In the post, Dia de Muertos, Honoring Our Ancestors, Sesma reviews the history of Día de Muertos and provides some great resources for how we can honor and celebrate a day that is “both a sad and joyful time as we pray, sing, and reminisce.” 

A History

As stated in Sesma’s blog, “the Spanish invasion forced conversion [of the indigenous population] to Christianity (Catholicism in particular), and ongoing colonization of what is now Mexico.” As a result, Sesma notes that Dia de Muertos now takes place on November 1 and 2, “having been merged with the Catholic All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.” If you’re interested in knowing what happened before the Spanish invasion, Sesma explains how these sacred days would take place in the months that we now reference as today’s August or September: “Mexika (Aztec) celebrated for an entire month: the first half of the month as Miccailhuitontli, the feast of the deceased children, and the latter half as Huey Miccailhuitontli, or Feast to the Greatly Revered Deceased (adults).” 

There are also regional differences for how this time of year is celebrated and observed. You might hear it be called a different name, celebrated in a different way, or talked about, depending on a family's religion or tribe-specific history and customs. Sesma gives the examples of how Yaqui began their Animam Mikwame, Dia de Muertos observances, on October 1st. You can learn more about this on her blog. 

Honoring Today

For those who celebrate and observe these days today, some honor children and infants on November 1st, known as Día de Los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels), and on November 2nd people will make space to honor adults, known as Día de Muertos.

A Way to Honor

Sesma shares how she honors Día de Muertos:

A pathway of brilliant flowers will guide them to our home to enjoy some time with us within whose hearts they yet live. We build ofrendas (altars) to their memory at home and sometimes in public places. Some altares are simple, and some are elaborate. Often, we hold vigils at the cemetery, taking our time to lovingly clean headstones, place candles and bouquets of cempaxochitl (marigolds) on graves, and, in the case of infants and children, toys; we set out plates with Pan de Muerto and tamales, drinks, and incense burners filled with copal. It is not uncommon for us to take lawn chairs to the cemetery and sit there for hours, even all night, recounting favorite anecdotes and memories of special days with grandparents and parents. We might even hire a small Norteño or mariachi group to play favorite songs that our beloveds enjoyed when alive. 

If you wish to honor your loved ones who have passed at home, making an ofrenda (altar) is a common custom. You can give respect to their memory by including a photograph, surround yourself and the photograph with your loved one’s favorite food, and think about the lovely memories you once shared. If you plan to practice these sacred days publicly, Sesma asks that you consult with and employ Mexican or Indigenous people to assist your journey as a way of “showing your appreciation for us sharing our culture, food, music, and spiritual traditions.” 

At Your Local Library

Ask your local library staff members to learn more about the upcoming events for Día de Muertos happening at Marin County Free Library. You can also ask for books, movies, and other resources if you wish to learn more!

Contributed by Daniela Leyva