Dia De Los Muertos (Day Of The Dead)

Have you ever celebrated the day of the dead ,or how Mexico knows it El Dia De Los Muertos? Instead of mourning and feeling sorrow for your loved one's have you ever just thrown a party for them. Dia de los muertos is a tradition in my culture.It is a festival and a tradition to honor you loved ones and families to throw them a festive. How can anyone throw a party for a loved one has passed on, you may ask yourself? Well, read and find out.
On the day of the dead we honor our loved ones by preparing them their favorite meals. Usually in Mexico, people gather around in the cemetery and put food ,flowers,and toys for their loved ones. It is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November. The 1st day is for the the children that have passed away . In Mexico that day is known as the day of the little angels. The 2nd day is for the people 18 and up that have passed on. We make pan de muerto. Also know as Bread of the dead . On day of the dead any type of food that they loved to eat when they were with us, can be put on their tomb. In Mexico, all the people in the town gather at the cemetery and pay their respects. Usually extra food is made. Some for the loved ones and some for the people that are gathering. This type of tradition may sound sad and hurtful, but it is a big festival and a happy time for everyone.Since many people migrate somewhere new, not many can co to their loved ones graves so they set a table and put a picture of their loved one and light a candle.
You maybe wondering how is each generation different form the last? Each generation is different form the last generation. Every generation adds something new to the table or to their loved ones grave. Even thought each generation is different form the last, and more in to this century, each generation still tries to preserve the old tradition. Each generation can be more connected with one family member than another, but no matter who they hate and loved they still set something for them as a reminder that, that person existed. That's how each generation is different from the last generation.
Dia De Los Muertos is one of the symbolism, because it is said to believe that the souls of the departed return to join their friends, and families in the land of the living. The Pan De Muerto (Bread of the Dead) has symbols of bones, and skulls, Usually on top of the bread there is a cross on top of it. There is also Calaveras de Azucar it maybe known as the Dead Love Sugar. They are considered gifts,and tokens of love.Many art that is made for Day of the dead is never made to scare people.In fact many people portray every symbol and the day as a happy day to spend time with your loved ones soul again. Another symbol is the cempasúchitl (Marigolds), which have been considered the special flower of the dead since pre-Hispanic times. It was believed that the dead can recognize the marigolds by sight and smell, and this flower became a sort of lure in decorations and offerings. It said that the Cempasuchitl (Marigold) helps guide the soul from the underworld.
Day of the Dead is not a very tragic day. It is a very joyful day. Your loved one soul comes back and feasts with you. Day of the dead is day to remember the happy times you spend with that person. It's a day of laughter and joy. Not a day for tears and sorrow. It can be, but it's said that every tear you shed for that person, makes it a lot harder for their soul to return. It is a very festive day filled with all beautiful sights, and smells.