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Exploring the meaning of Mexico’s Dia de Muertos

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Benito Juarez, Mexico
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Let’s explore the emotional context of the ‘Day of the Dead’ celebrations a few days before they begin.

It is not surprising that The Day of the Dead is the holiday for which Mexico is most internationally recognised.Β 

For some people, this celebration is a contradictory concept because it surrounds death from a more lively and colourful point of view, incorporating large ofrendas (offerings) and various symbols.

There is a great beauty in seeing the cemeteries and homes that are filled with sadness and loss brightened by colours and symbols of life, honouring their loved ones despite the heaviness of mourning a familial loss.

Contrary to what many believe, this is not just a one-day custom because the souls begin to arrive at homes and altars on October 28th depending on how they passed away.

@lucianochimal

πŸ«€ #nostalgia #cartonerΓ­a #arte #abuela

♬ Coral – Omar Enfedaque

Speaking of altars, many Mexican homes are fitted with altars because these are placed in the first year of death of the family member.

A candle is kept lit to help the souls to reach their final destination in peace, but it is also common for these altars to become something permanent, a small tribute to those you love and have lost.Β 

These altars keep the emotional bond alive, because it is comforting to turn to see their picture and speak to them.And yes, many of us believe that our loved ones can listen to us.

Just as we watch over them to ensure that they will reach their final destination, some of us also believe that our loved ones watch over us, that they take care of us and protect us from wherever they are.

Sometimes, our loved ones come to us through dreams to remind us of their affection or even to give us some advice.

And you can ask any Mexican you know, and most of them will have some experience where one of their deceased relatives approached them or another person in their family in their dreams to ask them a question or tell them a story.

Some people believe that it is just part of urban legends and Mexican magical realism. Of course, that may be true, but I believe that there is something stronger that links us even after death – and that is love.

For me, love goes beyond life and death.

When a loved one passes away it does not take away our emotions, nor our memories. On the contrary, the suffering and sadness are only proof of how much we loved each other, because it is as if the spirit of that person can be seen in the smallest things in our everyday life.

This is what makes all of Mexico connect with this celebration. Although each region has its customs and celebrations differently, the way we remember and honour the deceased is consistent.Β 

Many people believe that the Dia de Muertos is to celebrate death, but I do not think so. What I believe is that the Dia de Muertos celebrates love, remembrance, and the memories of those who are no longer with us.

It is a day that invites us to reflect and remember that just because our life is short it does not mean that we cannot have an impact. It reminds us that if you surround yourself with love, even in death, you will live.

For me, the importance of this holiday – besides being a reminder of our past customs – is that it gives us the space to feel to accept our emotions and to be grateful for life.

It helps us accept that accepting that grief is something difficult that does not go away, that you learn to live with, and that even when it is not easy, you can live after the loss of a loved one, albeit differently.Β 

If you also like the Day of the Dead and do not know how to live it, I invite you to use the day to remember and talk about those you love and miss.Β 

The essence of these days is to remember and love.Β 

Remote Writer Benito Juarez, Mexico

Hello, I\’m Eunice(She/her), born and raised in Mexico. I write about Latin American pop culture, my writing focuses on showcasing emerging talents who are disrupting their respective industries, and to help you discover new things to break your routine.

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