Every fall, families in Mexico and beyond gather to honor the lives of their ancestors in a tradition rooted in ancient beliefs. This is Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead. It’s a celebration with origins that stretch back thousands of years to the time of the Aztecs and the sacred journey to Chicunamictlán, the Land of the Dead. 

In this article, we’ll explore the origin, history, and traditions of the Day of the Dead, from its Mesoamerican roots to its modern-day celebrations. 

The Ancient Origin of the Day of the Dead 

Thousands of years before the Spanish Conquest, various Nahua peoples—including the Olmec, Maya, Toltec, Aztec, Huastec, and Mixtec—lived in what is now Mexico and honored the lives of the dead with month-long rituals. 

The Journey Through Chicunamictlán 

According to Nahua belief, after death, a person’s soul embarked on a journey to Chicunamictlán, the Land of the Dead. From there, they had to pass nine challenging levels (a journey that took several years) before arriving at Mictlán, their final resting place. During this time, family members would offer food, water, pottery, personal items, and tools to help their deceased family members along their path. 

For these ancient cultures, death was not an end but a continuation of life. It was a natural phase in the cycle of existence, not something to be feared. This inspired the modern Day of the Dead practice in which celebrants place food and other offerings on loved ones’ graves. 

How Catholic Traditions Shaped Día de los Muertos 

In the 16th century, Spanish colonizers introduced and imposed Catholic beliefs and traditions on the indigenous peoples. Traditions similar to the celebrations of the dead were the Christian holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, which fell on November 1st and 2nd. Over time, Día de los Muertos merged with Catholic traditions, shifting from a months-long celebration in August to November 1st and 2nd. 

Despite centuries of suppression and oppression, the resilient indigenous traditions in Mexico adapted and endured. 

Modern-Day Día de los Muertos: What Families Do Today 

People gather in a candlelit cemetery adorned with marigolds and offerings during a Día de los Muertos celebration. 

In the modern-day celebration of Día de los Muertos, people across Mexico and beyond honor their deceased loved ones with joy rather than sorrow, much like in the ancient rituals of the Nahua. November 1st is dedicated to children, while November 2nd is dedicated to adults. Let’s look at how families prepare: 

  • Ofrendas: Altars, or ofrendas, are created in homes and cemeteries and decorated with vibrant marigolds, candles, and photos of the deceased. Offerings of food include the deceased’s favorite dishes and drinks.  
  • Sugar skulls: These well-known symbols of the festivity, called calaveras, serve as a symbol of the deceased. They are placed in homes and cemeteries and on the altars of the deceased. This practice dates back to ancient Nahua practices, where skulls were offered to the god Mictlantecuhtli to ensure a safe passage to the afterlife. 
  • Traditional foods: Families bake pan de muerto and special meals to share with family and place on the ofrendas. 
  • Visiting gravesites: Families visit, clean, and decorate the graves of their ancestors with flowers, candles, incense, and food offerings. 
  • Participating in parades: Celebrants join local parades and events wearing traditional face paints and colorful costumes. This echoes Mesoamerican times when Nahua people dressed in ceremonial clothes, face paint, and masks to celebrate the dead. 

Symbolism from Aztec Mythology to La Catrina 

The people of the Aztec Empire worshiped the goddess Mictecacihuatl, the Lady of the Dead, who was a central figure in the celebrations and believed to watch over the bones of the deceased. Although unrelated, her symbolism in the festival is echoed in La Calavera Catrina, a popular modern figure that emerged in the early 20th century and has since become an iconic symbol of the celebration. 

Global Influence: How the Day of the Dead Resonates Worldwide 

Día de los Muertos is filled with pride, love, and deep reverence for the past. It’s a joyful celebration of life and memory. As the holiday has spread, it has both shaped and been shaped by other cultures. 

For example, while some have adopted the American practice of trick-or-treating on Halloween (“mi calaverita”), the holiday remains dedicated to honoring the dead. Its vibrant traditions have inspired new ways of remembering the departed in places as far as Europe and Asia. 

Although unique in its traditions, Día de los Muertos shares similarities with other cultures that independently evolved similar ways of honoring the dead. For example, Japan’s Obon festival and Cambodia’s Pchum Ben reflect a universal desire to honor and celebrate the deceased. Despite evolving separately, these celebrations demonstrate our shared desire to remember, respect, and maintain the continuity of life: a testament to our common humanity. 

FAQs About the Day of the Dead 

Curious about the origins and traditions behind Día de los Muertos? Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about this vibrant and meaningful celebration. 

  • What is the origin of the Day of the Dead?
    The Day of the Dead has its roots in ancient Mesoamerican cultures, particularly the Nahua peoples, including the Aztec and Maya. These civilizations believed that death was a natural phase of life, and they held month-long rituals to honor their deceased loved ones. Over time, these indigenous beliefs blended with Catholic traditions introduced by Spanish colonizers.

  • What is Chicunamictlán, and why is it important?
    In Nahua mythology, Chicunamictlán is the first level of the underworld. After death, souls were believed to pass through nine levels over several years before reaching Mictlán, their final resting place. This journey was physically and spiritually demanding, which is why families left offerings to support their loved ones along the way, an early inspiration for today’s altar practices.

  • Why is Día de los Muertos celebrated on November 1st and 2nd?
    These dates reflect the influence of Catholicism, which recognizes All Saints’ Day (November 1st) and All Souls’ Day (November 2nd). As indigenous and Catholic traditions merged, Día de los Muertos was aligned with these dates: November 1st is typically dedicated to honoring deceased children, and November 2nd is for adults. 

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For history buffs with a passion for cultural traditions like Día de los Muertos, pursuing an online Master of Arts in History at The University of Texas Permian Basin can provide a deep dive into the historical contexts that shape our world today. This program equips you with the knowledge and tools to teach the next generation about the significance of historic holidays and ensures that the rich traditions of the past are preserved, honored, and appreciated for years to come. 

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