Celebrated primarily in Mexico and around the world in many different countries and cultures, Day of the Dead offers prayers and remembrance for the deceased.
What is Day of the Dead?
As morbid as it may sound, Day of the Dead, known in Spanish as Dia de Muertos, is a family holiday in which relatives gather and celebrate all of their beloved family members who have passed, in a fanciful and festive gathering. Dating back over 2500 years ago and in connection with the Christian Hallowmas which are All Hallow's Eve, All Saints Day and All Souls Day, the deceased are honored from October 31st thru November 2nd, offering three full days of observance.
During these three days, favorite foods are served, graves are visited and altars are decorated with sugar skulls and marigolds. Our ancestors kept human skulls for displays, and today they may be used to symbolize both death and rebirth during these honorary celebrations. In traditional customs, infants and small children are remembered on October 31st, whereas adults are paid tribute on November 1st, followed by a celebration for all on All Souls Day.
All Hallows Eve
While many people celebrate Halloween on October 31st with pumpkins, Jack-O-Lanterns and trick-or treating, children participating in Dia de Muertos customs are busy preparing altars for deceased children, as an invitation for them to come back and pay a visit in their spiritual form, with hopes that they will witness the prayers and any dialogue between surviving family.
These fiestas are planned throughout the year, as it is a very busy day. Graves are cleaned and decorated, marigolds are cut and bundled, incense gathered and burned, and meals are generously prepared. The marigold is known as the Flower of the Dead and is believed to attract deceased spirits. Even toys are placed at gravesites for the youthful departed, as well as sugared candies and soft pillows and blankets. Some families sleep by their beloved's graves or picnic beside them with hopes to feel comfort in their loved one's presence.
Is Day of the Dead a Spooky Holiday?
If you are not familiar with the traditions of Dia de Muertos, the customs may seem slightly spooky or even eerie at first. Paying homage to death in such a fanciful fashion is traditional at funerals and burial services, but requesting souls to return from the dead may push the boundaries for some. Day of the Dead is a religious event. Catholics, Anglicans and many others honor this three day holiday and feast with hopes that they can reconnect with their lost and loved ones. For that reason, it is ceremonious and a very special occasion.
Sugar Skull Tattoos
In addition to festive décor, food and beverage, many people choose to carry on their celebration of death with a Dia de Muertos tattoo design, also known as sugar skull tattoos. Portraits of the deceased can be colorful and adorned in traditional Day of the Dead makeup and be made into permanent body art memorials befit for year round wear.
Whether you like the style of Day of the Dead sugar skulls or actually celebrate the occasion on All Hallow's Eve, having a better understanding of the unique customs and reasoning behind the fiesta will help you plan a tattoo with commemorative meaning. You can learn more about Day of the Dead makeup here to plan your very own sugar skull tattoos.
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