Day of the Dead

The time of the year in which we Mexicans honor those who have departed just passed. Nov. 1 is known as Day of the Innocents or Day of the Little Angels and Nov. 2 is known as Day of the Dead, serve as special celebrations to remember relatives, friends and loved ones that had physically left us.

Many spend a few hours at the cemetery, taking food, drinks and even music, especially live music.

Paying homage to our people is in our genes, in our blood, in our veins. Around 3,000 years ago, the Aztecs celebrated the dead in August, right after the agricultural cycle and buried the bodies along with food and other items to enjoy while traveling to the other world.

After arriving to the New World, the Spanish witnessed with horror the display of human skulls offered to the indigenous Gods after war. That part was later changed to sugar skulls by using techniques imported from Spain, in which sugar and lime juice were combined to create what is now a significant part of the celebration and one of the most followed by kids.

The encounter of Spanish and Aztec culture also formed the creation of altars to respect the dead, as just occurred with All Hollow’s Eve and Celtic people that consequently created the 2,000- year- old Halloween. Those altars are set up with seven steps, counted from top to the bottom. Level 1 must include the image of a Saint whom the defunct used to venerate. Salt has to be in level 3 and is used to purify the soul of dead children. Pan de Muerto or Bread of the Dead — that includes no human part as ingredients — comes in level 4, while food and fruit is located in level 5 for the deceased to eat en route to heaven. A picture of the dead goes on level 6 and the final step has items like ashes, seeds and flowers for the soul’s forgiveness.

Among the flowers that can be included are Mexican marigolds, chrysanthemums and gladiolus. Add water and candles and you will have your altar ready for the day. But truth be told, the production of an Altar depends in several other things like budget, time, space and knowledge.

I am not so sure if it was part of a class but for years students at San Diego State University- Imperial Valley Campus have produced altars that are displayed at the Art Gallery.

And few years from today the Mexican Consulate has promoted a contest at Casa de la Cultura, also known as the Old Post Office Pavilion in El Centro. This year my colleague William Roller, visited the site to write a story about the altars. Those exhibiting their displays talked about the inspiration behind altars. All of them coincided in highlighting the need to remember the memories of our ancestors — at least those with whom we got along with. Gladly, the event has been growing with years. A lady who made an altar at the event to honor her fatherin- law and brother- in- law said she hopes one day the festivity expands to all cities and towns in Imperial Valley and turn it into a huge celebration. I hope so, as well.

Now, if you are afraid of this Mexican tradition, let me tell you that around about a third of Mexicans living in Mexican metropolitan areas go to or hold Halloween parties, while almost half of Mexican children living in these same areas dress in costumes. Also, venerating the dead is also held in South American countries, Italy, Spain and the Philippines. The bottom line is that, Day of the Dead is more a Christian celebration to honor and remember those who have left us behind.