The Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico can be traced back 2500-3000 years to indigenous cultures who held rituals celebrating deceased ancestors. People believe the souls of the departed visit during the Day of the Dead and go to cemeteries to be with them, building altars with their favorite foods, photos and items. In the US, celebrations with Mexican residents incorporate traditional Day of the Dead customs mixed with harvest festivals. Families also construct home altars honoring dead relatives with crosses, Virgin Mary icons, candles and ofrendas.

1. DIA DE LOS MUERTOS BY Katherine Brown Dia De Los Muertos

2. History of the Day of the Dead The Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico can be traced back to the indigenous cultures. Rituals celebrating the deaths of ancestors have been observed by these civilizations perhaps for as long as 2,500–3,000 years.In the pre-Hispanic era, it was common to keep skulls as trophies and display them during the rituals to symbolize death and rebirth.

3. Beliefs People go to cemeteries to be with the souls of the departed and build private altars containing the favorite foods and beverages as well as photos and memorabilia of the departed. The intent is to encourage visits by the souls, so that the souls will hear the prayers and the comments of the living directed to them.

4. United StatesDia of the day in America…… In many American communities with Mexican residents, Day of the Dead celebrations are held that are very similar to those held in Mexico. The event combines elements of traditional Day of the Dead celebrations with those of pagan harvest festivals.

5. Dia De Los Muertos el la casaSome families build altars in their homes. These usually have the Christian cross , statues or pictures of the Virgin Mary, pictures of deceased relatives and other persons, scores of candles and an ofrend (www.wikipedia.org). Traditionally, families spend some time around the altar, praying and telling anecdotes about the deceased. In many places, celebrants wear shells on their clothing, so that when they dance the noise will wake up the dead. Some people go as far as dressing like the dead.