2007-11-08 11:57:38 · 3 answers · asked by Morah 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
The Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico can be traced back to the indigenous peoples such as the Olmec, Zapotec, Mixtec, Mexican, Maya, P'urhépecha, and Totonac. Rituals celebrating the deaths of ancestors have been observed by these civilizations perhaps for as long as 2500–3000 years. In the pre-Hispanic era, it was common to keep skulls as trophies and display them during the rituals to symbolize death and rebirth.
Although this is dedicated to the dead, the original festival was dedicated to a goddess called Mictecacihuatl (also known as ‘The Lady of the Dead’), but in English she is called Catrina. On the first day of the festival, the people honour dead children and infants, where as adults who have died were honoured on the second day.
2007-11-08 12:03:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
All Souls Day is November 2, the day to honor all the faithful departed.
2007-11-08 18:58:26 · answer #2 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its a celebration of loved ones that have passed away in spanish speaking cultures
2007-11-08 11:59:54 · answer #3 · answered by Jules 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋