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Revision as of 17:22, 29 March 2023
| ◀️ Latin America: History and Culture — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Cinco de Mayo ▶️ |
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday that takes place on November 1st and 2nd. It is a time to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. This celebration has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In this lesson, we will dive deeper into the history, traditions, and vocabulary associated with Día de los Muertos.
Don't hesitate to look into these other pages after completing this lesson: Timeline of Spain & Countries with Spanish as an official language.
History
Día de los Muertos's roots date back to pre-Columbian times when the Aztec people believed in visiting loved ones in the afterlife. After the Spanish colonization, some Catholic traditions were incorporated into the holiday, tying it more closely to the Christian celebrations of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Today, it is celebrated throughout Mexico and some parts of Central and South America.
Traditions
One of the most well-known symbols of Día de los Muertos is the calavera or sugar skull. These are often intricately decorated with colored icing, glitter, and other decorative items, and are often given as gifts or placed on gravesites. Altars or ofrendas are also created in honor of loved ones. These altars are often adorned with marigold flowers, favorite foods and beverages of the deceased, and papel picado, or decorative paper cutouts. Community members often gather to participate in parades, music, and dance to celebrate the lives of those who have passed away.
Vocabulary
Here are some key vocabulary words related to Día de los Muertos:
| Spanish | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| altar | ahl-tahr | altar |
| ofrenda | oh-fren-dah | offering |
| calavera | kah-lah-veh-rah | skull |
| papel picado | pah-pehl pee-kah-doh | decorative paper cutouts |
| marigold | mah-ree-gohld | cempasúchil (in Mexico) |
| pan de muerto | pahn deh mwair-toh | bread of the dead |
How to Celebrate
If you want to celebrate Día de los Muertos, here are some ideas:
- Build an altar or ofrenda to honor loved ones who have passed away. Include their favorite foods and drinks, photos, and candles.
- Attend a local Día de los Muertos festival or parade.
- Decorate your own sugar skulls or get some ready-made from a bakery.
- Make pan de muerto and share it with family and friends.
Conclusion
Día de los Muertos is a beautiful celebration of remembrance and honor for loved ones who have passed away. By learning about the history and traditions of this holiday, we can gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of Mexican culture and its values.
Sources
Well done on mastering this lesson! Don't miss these related pages to expand your knowledge: Panama Timeline & Uruguay Timeline.
Videos
All Saints' Day/Día de los Muertos - Beginner Spanish - YouTube
Other Lessons
- Bolivia Timeline
- Notable Hispanic Figures
- Latin America: History and Culture
- Why Learn Spanish
- Life in Spain
- History
- Start Reading in Spanish
- Countries with Spanish as an official language
- Dominican Republic Timeline
- El Salvador Timeline
| ◀️ Latin America: History and Culture — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Cinco de Mayo ▶️ |