As American citizens, sometimes we forget about how small of a fraction we take up in the world. We forget about the millions of other humans who live incredibly different lives than us. We especially forget the many cultures and diversities from around the globe. One specific example is the Hispanic culture that we find so close to home. We even occasionally find it within our own hometowns. One major Hispanic celebration is Día de los Muertos, a very unique holiday celebrating the souls of lost family members and friends.
Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead was originated in Southern Mexico. The celebration itself dates all the way back to the ancient Aztecs. These natives were unaware of the traditions they were beginning. The Aztecs held a festival for the goddess of the underworld, Mictecacihuatl. It has also been discovered that the Mexican Culture uses the festival to honor the Lady of the Dead, La Catrina (Dennino). She is now represented by a skeleton wearing a fancy hat. However, it is also said that La Catrina was a rich woman who did not care about the poor. Therefore, on this holiday, many Hispanics find themselves dressing up to make fun of her. They wear ornate garb and paint their faces solid white. Since then, the festival has become much more than a small gathering. The holiday is now known as the …show more content…
However, the truth is, these elaborate ceremonies only take place in a slim percentage of Spanish cultures. To be exact, only Southern Mexico fully participates in the ancient rituals. Other countries of the catholic world celebrate All Souls and All Saints day. This celebration is also on November 1-2. According to mexicansugarskull.com, countries celebrating this way include “Italy, Spain, South America, and Philippines”. This less extravagant holiday is celebrated by special mass services and along with cleaning the tombs of their loved
Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead was originated in Southern Mexico. The celebration itself dates all the way back to the ancient Aztecs. These natives were unaware of the traditions they were beginning. The Aztecs held a festival for the goddess of the underworld, Mictecacihuatl. It has also been discovered that the Mexican Culture uses the festival to honor the Lady of the Dead, La Catrina (Dennino). She is now represented by a skeleton wearing a fancy hat. However, it is also said that La Catrina was a rich woman who did not care about the poor. Therefore, on this holiday, many Hispanics find themselves dressing up to make fun of her. They wear ornate garb and paint their faces solid white. Since then, the festival has become much more than a small gathering. The holiday is now known as the …show more content…
However, the truth is, these elaborate ceremonies only take place in a slim percentage of Spanish cultures. To be exact, only Southern Mexico fully participates in the ancient rituals. Other countries of the catholic world celebrate All Souls and All Saints day. This celebration is also on November 1-2. According to mexicansugarskull.com, countries celebrating this way include “Italy, Spain, South America, and Philippines”. This less extravagant holiday is celebrated by special mass services and along with cleaning the tombs of their loved