👀 Honoring Memories, Honoring Oneself: Why I Love DÃa de los Muertos
The other day, my six-year-old asked me, "Why do we decorate the house for DÃa de los Muertos instead of Halloween?" She insisted on the latter, and I realized that this question —or a variation of it— might come up frequently in families with an immigrant background, yet I wasn't quite prepared for it.
For those unfamiliar, DÃa de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd with roots dating back thousands of years to pre-Columbian cultures combined with Catholic remembrance rituals. The living honor and celebrate the memories of their deceased loved ones during lively celebrations featuring vibrant altars, traditional music and dance, and festive parades.
One story I love refers to the afterlife as a mountain guarded by a massive snake biting its tail, with souls residing within. Once a year, the snake opens its mouth, allowing those inside to visit their relatives in the world of the living. Guided by the scent of cempasúchil (marigolds), they find the altars prepared by their families. The ofrenda is completed with photos, food, and decorations, offering an opportunity for families to share stories of their deceased loved ones.
Unlike squirrels in my neighborhood, I have nothing against Halloween; in fact, my friend Mia reminded me it's widely celebrated in northern Mexico where I'm originally from. Growing up, Halloween was a welcome event that unleashed imagination. To many Mexican kids —including myself— both celebrations aren't contradictory; they're a welcome double feast of joy and treats as the days grow darker.
This year, as I've been constructing our family tree, our altar features a few additional names to honor. Piecing together the lives of those who came before me has been a humbling and empowering experience, leading me to reflect on my sense of identity—the countless factors, people, and places, both chosen and unchosen, that define who I am. So when my daughter asked why our house was decorated differently than the rest, I could only reply, "Because it’s important to me. And one day, it may be important for you too."
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Carlos
On this post:Â A print of Mexico City's Templo Mayor
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