Written by Steven Smith

in many countries through a variety of festivals and rituals to pay respect to family and friends. November 1st is known as El Dia de los Inocentes, or the Day of the Innocents. It is a celebration to honor babies and young children who have passed. November 2nd is El Dia de los Muertos, when adults are honored.
The central idea of this holiday is that humans experience three types of death: the dissolution of the physical body, the internment of the body into the grave, and a final death when that person is forgotten by the living. The purpose of El Dias de los Muertos is to postpone the final death by continuing to honor the memory of the dead and by celebrating who they were in life.
A common ritual is decorating graves and lining paths in cemeteries with marigold petals, as the fragrance is thought to attract spirits. Families create altars, known as “ofrendas,” in their homes to welcome spirits back. These often include photos, incense, personal possessions of the deceased, and food and drink. It is believed that the dead can enjoy the spiritual essence of these material things.
Altars are also set up for lone souls-those who have no living family to remember them. Through a group memorial, the community seeks to keep the spirits of lone souls from passing away entirely.
A popular symbol of this holiday is the “Calaveras” (skulls) which parody the living. This tradition emerged through the art of José Guadalupe Posada, specifically a famous print of his called “La Calavera de la Catrina,” which depicted an upper-class woman as a costumed skeleton.
One of the ways in which the living will honor the dead is by writing and reciting short poems, also called Calaveras. These poems may take the form of an epitaph or otherwise describe the deceased’s character, habits, or accomplishments in life.
The ancient Aztecs held the belief that the souls of the departed would travel to different regions after death, and that the prayers of the living could benefit the spirit of the deceased. El Dias de los Muertos is a testament that the power of love can even transcend death.

A native of San Luis Obispo, Steve Smith, has a B.A. in creative writing and enjoys learning about the traditions and spirituality of different cultures throughout history. View his art at www.sloartiststevensmith.com.