Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a long-standing tradition that originated in Mexico but has since spread to almost all Latin American countries and neighborhoods with a strong Latin influence. The tradition has evolved over the years, fusing indigenous Aztec beliefs and modern-day Catholicism into a celebration unique to Latin American culture.
Ancient Aztec belief envisioned a world with 13 layers, or overworlds and heavens, that lay above the Earth and 9 underworlds. It was believed that manner of death would determine the place in the heavens or underworld, with warriors who died in battle, women who died in childbirth and victims of sacrifice being those who would achieve the highest plane in the heavens. During the month of August, a festival would take place in which ancestors were celebrated and honored with offerings, dance and music rituals.
The Aztec celebration of the dead began to evolve into what it is today with the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century. The festival of death and celebration of ancestors was changed to coincide with All Saints Day (November 1st) and All Souls Day (November 2nd), though it retained almost all of its pre-Hispanic tradition and celebrations.
Today, Latin America continues to celebrate and honor their dead with offerings and beautiful elaborate altars, live music, dance, and Catrinas and Catrines parades. It is believed that during these days, the souls of the departed come back to eat and drink with the living. In other words, these are the days when families and loved ones are given the opportunity to celebrate and honor those who have passed on; a unique and positive spin on the way people choose to mourn death.
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