The colorful history of Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead
Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is best known for its vibrant celebration consisting of parades and parties, and also the ubiquitous colorful skull-themed costumes and makeup that people don during the festivities.
A woman dons skull-inspired makeup and costume for the Day of the Dead / Source: Pexels
However, contrary to popular belief, it is not the Mexican version of Halloween. Although it may seem to have a dark theme like Halloween due to the use of skulls as symbols, Dia de los Muertos actually celebrates the life of departed loved ones.
Its colorful history and similarities to Undas
The Day of the Dead originated in Mexico and is celebrated every November 2, just like All Souls Day or Undas in the Philippines.
The Day of the Dead and Undas both have Spanish origins. It is said that Spanish conquerors introduced the holiday to Mexicans, while the word “undas” was derived from the Spanish words “honrar” (to honor) and “honras” (you honor), since Filipinos honor their deceased loved ones on that day.
Dia de los Muertos is observed in Mexico and combines Aztec rituals and Catholic traditions.
One of its similarities to Undas is that Mexicans also have the tradition of cleaning and decorating the gravesite of the deceased and celebrating with food, drinks, and activities that the departed enjoyed during his or her lifetime.
Mexicans set up an ofrenda or small personal altar, which is elaborately decorated with a photo of the dead and some of his or her favorite food and things. Plus, they also make the traditional holiday food Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead) and include it in the ofrenda.
This is pretty similar to how Filipinos display a picture of the dead on his or her grave and offer their favorite food and other things, such as cigarettes and liquor, for example.
Pinoys also say a prayer for their departed loved ones or offer a mass for them. Some even spend the night in the cemetery to be with their deceased family member.
A woman during one of the festivities for Dia de los Muertos / Source: Pexels
The big difference of Undas and the Day of the Dead
It is believed that during the Day of the Dead, departed loved ones awake from eternal sleep to celebrate with their loved ones.
That's why in Mexico and other Latin countries celebrating Dia de los Muertos, two of the trademark symbols used for their festivities are the calacas (skeletons) and calaveras (skulls), which appear in candies, masks, and dolls.
They are often depicted in colorful, fancy clothes while doing fun and entertaining things, which kind of symbolizes the belief that the dead awakens on Dia de los Muertos to revel with their loved ones.
In the Philippines, however, the celebration of Undas is much more solemn and less festive. Pinoys often flock to cemeteries to visit the grave of their deceased family members. They light a candle, say a prayer, put a photo of the dead on top of their tombs, and offer their much-loved food, drinks, and other favorite things.
A boy with skull-inspired makeup and hat / Source: Pexels
Honoring the dead
The traditions and beliefs in celebrating Dia de los Muertos, Undas or All Souls Day may be different for many countries in the world, but one thing is certainly the same for everyone: it is all about honoring the departed and celebrating the colorful and meaningful lives they have lived.
It is also a great reminder that everyone will depart this life and we must treat our deceased loved ones just like how we want our descendants to remember us when we are gone.
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