Feast of the Dead

Papier-mache dolls are an integral attribute of the holidayTo a person in New York, Paris, or London, death is a word that is never uttered because it burns his lips. The Mexican, on the other hand, mocks death, caresses and entertains it; it is one of his favorite toys. He may have the same fear of her as others, but at least he does not hide it and contemplates death face to face. (Octavia Paz)

Life for the people of ancient Mexico was just a moment. Death was the awakening of dreams in the present to enter the world of the dead and appear before other gods, depending on the type of chance that took their lives. Those who were sacrificed or killed in the war went to the sun; the same fate awaited women who died giving rise to another life. Whoever drowned went to heaven.

The souls of the dead children were considered jewels, which is why they remained in the house; the soul, not chosen by God, remained in the underworld. In order to help travel from this world to the world of the dead without delay, the deceased was buried or burned with things, food, dog as a companion and water for the road.

In the sixteenth century, with the beginning of conquest and colonization, the widespread spread of the Catholic religion began. People began to fear death and hell.

In the eighteenth century, the two attitudes toward death became one cult. Skeletons and bones reappear, but now in a festive and comic mood; moreover, Catholic symbolism appears in local crafts and food. Candles, flowers on graves and the ringing of church bells were added around the same time. Now it is a popular holiday in which all segments of society participate.

According to legend, the souls of the dead return to the world of the living for two days to once again see their loved ones. Houses on this day are more like crypts, but the graves are decorated with flowers and ribbons, and all relatives and friends come to honor the memory of the dead. And so that their souls do not get lost, candles are lit everywhere, showing them the way home.

Special symbols of this holiday: bread of the dead (pan de muerto) - coffee cake, candy and cookies in the shape of skulls and skeletons of papier-mache.

Beginning at 6 p.m., every 30 seconds, bells ring to summon the dead, and so on all night long. And only in the morning filled the streets people go home.

Don't think Mexicans don't take death seriously. Nope. They know the breakup isn't definitive. They're just gonna meet less often. Once a year. Day of the Dead.