Día de los Muertos

http://www.utexas.edu/features/2006/muertos/

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Simplifying End-of-Life Management

“Día de los Muertos” is an annual celebrat ion to honor our deceased loved ones.

i ts many r i tuals focus on the connect ions between l i fe and death.

The hol iday dates back 3,000 years to Mesoamerica.

“All Saints Day” (Nov. 1)

celebrates the chi ldren.

“All Souls Day” (Nov. 2)

welcomes home adult souls . Day of the Dead fest ivals ,

parades and gatherings culminate with famil ies paying

respects to their loved ones who have passed.

Cempasúchil (marigolds) the flower of the dead

Papel picado (paper cutouts) of flowers and birds

Calacas (skeleton images) that capture joyful moments

Alfeñique calaveras (sugar skulls)

Possessions of the deceased

Offerings of favorite foods and drinks

Old family photographs

Prayer candles

The Community Celebrates

. At night, city plazas welcome revelers whose altars

display personal trinkets and treats in honor of the departed.

The Family Remembers

In homes, a family elder presides over the feast and

place settings are reserved for the departed. At the end of the

celebration, the living feast in honor of the departed.