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Let’s face it, Americans don’t have a great relationship with death. At best, most of us are firmly in the ostrich category of approach — sticking our heads in the sand as if we can pretend death doesn’t exist by merely not thinking or talking about it. But, that isn’t the case everywhere. Plenty of people in other countries recognize that there is no escaping death and that there is a way to celebrate a life well-lived, even after it has ended. One such tradition that is becoming more and more well-known around the globe is Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead.
What is Día de los Muertos
It is estimated that the Day of the Dead has been celebrated for over 3,000 years with deep roots in Aztec and Mesoamerican traditions. In Mexico, indigenous cultures saw death as a continuation of life, one that was in constant connection with the dead. And so, the Día de los Muertos tradition stemming from Mexico invites us to remember our loved ones and gives us a chance to process their passing, a way to celebrate their lives, and to acknowledge the love we still feel for the deceased. It is also meant to be a time that the spirits of those that have passed on are closest to us, and therefore more open to communication with the living.
These days, nearly 76% of Mexicans say they usually celebrate the Day of the Dead as a multi-day holiday where family, communities, and friends come together in honor of loved ones that have moved on. There are many ways this…
