Free essay on the day of the dead (dia de los muertos)

Since human existence, human beings have always tried to elaborate on the mystery surround death and life. It is worth noting that many cultures and civilization have developed rituals that try to assert meaning to human existence. The indigenous Mexican populace believed that the death was a path to the next life. Hence, those who died were buried with various objects that they will require in later life. The study of Dia de los Muertos has been carried out for the last 4000 years. The day of the death has been celebrated in Mexico for many years. These refer to a special ritual because the living remembers all their relatives who have passed away. El Día de los Muertos (The day of the death) is a Mexican-American and Mexican celebration. It takes place on November first and November second; these days coincide with the celebration of All Saints Day, as well as All Souls Day in the Roman Catholic. On November 1st, the people celebrating assert that the soul of the children returns during this day, while the souls of all the adults return on November 2nd. It is viewed as a Mexican holiday, but it is celebrated in other countries. The mood of the day is light, and more focus is placed on honouring and celebrating the deceased. The origin of Day of the Dead is traced back to indigenous people of the Latin America. They include Totonac, Aztecs, and Mayans Purepecha.
The culture of honouring the death has spread to many parts of the world. The Mexicans are the most people who celebrate the Day of the Death, while other opt to celebrate All Saints Day as observed by Roman Catholics. Other nations that celebrate and hour the Day of the Death include Arizona, California and Texas. These states are occupied by the highest number of Mexican immigrants. The culture continues to gain popularity since more people learn about the culture and beliefs. Mexican invests most of their money and time in celebrating the holiday.
The Day of the Death is mostly celebrated both in private and public areas. The celebration is extended to graveyards and homesteads. In their homes, people develop alters to honour and celebrate the deceased. It is part of the culture to allow people to access the homestead and view the alter. In the graveyards, family members clean the graves of their relatives and decorate them with candles, photos, flowers, drinks and food. In addition, songs and storytelling are carried out in the graveyard.
Day of the Death celebrations is very significant. The celebration is believed to connect the living and the death. In fact, individuals believe that the unseen world is the destiny to all human races. The dead get an opportunity to live again during this day. The deceased come to homes and re-join with the living ones. The neglected spirits may cause havoc to the loved ones; hence it should not be forgotten.
The common symbol during the Day of the death is a skull. Those who are celebrating the day use masks to represent the skull. Family members and friends eat the sugar skulls with names of the deceased. Other foods that are eaten during these days include sweet egg bread and bread of the dead. Day of the Death continues to evolve around the world. In addition, the advancement of technology has presents an avenue where other can learn about the holiday.