Day of the Dead Essay

Depicts the traditions of Dia de los Muertos

Day of the Dead

 

As one looks around one sees countless skulls, graves and hears music! This may be an eerie sight for some, but for the people of Central America this is part of a glorious celebration of life after death. At the end of each October and the beginning of each November a wondrous event is observed. The weeds around graves are cut, the graves are decorated, and a large feast is to be had. This of course is the Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos. This is the Mexican celebration of the afterlife, inviting the departed spirits of loved ones back to their village. Although modern Americans view death as a tragic event, the people of Central America view it as way to see their deceased family members once again. Through the use of traditional foods, music and decorative altars the families show respect for their dead and prove that death does not have to always be a melancholy experience.

What might one eat when mourning a loved one who has passed into the void? A person could consume crackers and cheese, maybe a small glass of wine. Any number of things could be eaten, but there is only one answer, nothing. While mourning their past loved ones, American’s usually abstain from eating anything. This could be because of the morbid mood of the occasion which is created by the taboo word of death. Yet this caloric refrain is not seen in all cultures. In central Mexico and many other Spanish speaking countries, death is celebrated with fine cooking. On Dia de los Muertos the families of the departed prepare many quality dishes, most of which were the favorites of the deceased. Traditional dishes include Pan de Muerto (bread of the dead), local fruits, and freshly cooked tamales. With these wonderful dishes comes smiling faces and laughter as the Day of the Dead is observed (Brandes).

"To me, it's a very interesting and in so many ways a very healthy view of death, which Americans find so difficult. Americans don't even want to talk about aging, let alone death,” writes Judy Walker. This statement shows how Americas are taboo about death and are weary of observing this state of affairs with any type of joy. On the opposite side of the coin are the Central Americans which view death as a transition from one type of living to the next. This journey, as well as the departed soul’s return, are celebrated with an up tempo type of music called Musica de Mariachi. This music makes for a very inviting and jubilant atmosphere. The souls of the departed are believed to dance after they have had their fill of food. These traditional melodies just shows the how much different the joyous tribute to dead family members to the American overall avoidance of death (Walker).

                        However if souls can dance then souls can get lost. How are the departed spirits supposed to find their way back to the mortal world? The answer to this question lies with a simple flower; the marigold. Traditionally called the ‘cempasuchil’, this golden-orange flower is believed to be a guiding light for the souls, showing them the way home. Yet these beautiful flowers are just a small part of a much greater object; the ‘Ofrenda’. This is an altar which is placed on the grave of the family member. These altars are used as a tribute and a beacon for the departed souls. While the traditional American graves may have a small bouquet of flowers, these altars are quite extravagant. Complete with the decease’ photograph, favorite food, favorite liquor. These are used to honor the dead’s memory. Also present are candles which share in the directing of souls as its burning flame invites the spirits. As Central American’s invite the dead back welcomingly, American’s today seem to only push it away (Jance).

            As a normal American funeral procession is very large and can involve more than 50 cars and some 200 people, the traditional march in Central America is much simpler. As the church bell rings the families of the departed gather and start their walk to the cemetery. This march involves the whole village and is observed with much reverence. Candles are carried and incense is burned, creating a hazy and mystic mood. The taboo feeling of death is felt at American funerals as everyone meets at the grave; the men standing awkwardly with their hands in their pockets; the women crying softly into a black handkerchief. During day of the dead the precession ends at the local graveyard where a fiesta, complete with drinking tequila, shooting off fireworks, and burning Copal (a local plant). As the smoke rises, one can see how different these two spectacles really are (General).

            Death is not always a morbid occasion. Although in present day America people tend to shy away from any kind of celebration of death, this is much different in Central America. Unlike the gloomy and depressing mood of American funerals, the Day of the Dead celebrations are jubilant and heartwarming. With the changing of the leaves autumn brings the festive tribute of Dia De los Muertos. This holiday allows the mourning people to honor their family members that have past on. These honors dwarf the small praise of American society bestows upon their graves. By decorating traditional alters, consuming the person’s favorite food and drink, playing festive music, and take part in a precession to the family members grave the families of the dead welcome them back into their lives and prove that remembering the dead can be very delightful.