The Day of the Dead or El día de los Muertos might seem like a Mexican version of Halloween but in fact, this ancient tradition has a very different focus and the two events couldn't be more different. The colorful Day of the Dead fiesta in early November is a sacred time when Mexicans remember loved ones and is a celebration that is far from morbid. Sure, it involves hanging out in a graveyard all night with the spirits of the dead while surrounded by skull and skeleton-themed decorations, however there is absolutely nothing scary about this cheerful celebration.
The Day of the Dead or El Dia de los Muertos, is one of the most popular vibrant holidays in Mexico. The holiday includes two days. On the 1st of November or "Día de los Angelitos" (Day of the Little Angels) Mexicans celebrate babies and children. On the 2nd of November or "Día de los Muertos" or "Día de los Difuntos" (Day of the Dead) people of Mexico honour the deceased grown-ups.
The Day of the Dead is a celebration whose bright colours and imagery can’t help but inspire the creative soul. Common decorative motifs include the world famous sugar skulls, crosses (a product of the Catholic influence), marigolds, bright flowers, mandalas and all sorts of traditional Mexican patterns.
Skulls – known as calaveras or calacas in Mexico – are an essential part of the symbolism of Dia de los Muertos in Mexico. They are used not only as the basis for painting faces, but also are the shape of candy such as sugar skulls and for many skeleton inspired decorations. Skull depictions tend to be scary or morbid, but Dia de los Muertos skulls are cheerful and happy. Using bright colors and elaborate decorations they reflect the joy, spirit of deceased loved ones and the color of life.
Elegant Skulls - La Catrina-Skulls may seem neither elegant nor feminine at first glance, but the 'elegant skull' has grown into an important Day of the Dead tradition in Mexico. La Calavera Catrina ('The Elegant Skull') is a skeleton dressed in the finery of a wealthy lady and portrays beauty and femininity. La Calavera Catrina is a source of inspiration for women's skull face-painting art which is both scary and beautiful at the same time.
Flowers are also symbolically important part of the Day of the Dead. The flower most associated with Dia de los Muertos in Mexico is the marigold. According to Mexican belief, the souls of departed family and friends return to earth on the Day of the Dead, and it is believed the strong scent of marigold helps to guide them back.
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