The Day of The Dead
A Mexican Holiday
The Tradition
The Day of the Dead is not as scary as it sounds. It is simply a happy holiday to honor the dead. The Mexicans believe that happy spirits will provide them with protection, good luck and wisdom. Before the Day of the Dead, an area of the house must be cleaned to make room for an altar. The altar must be filled with offerings that usually consists of a wash bowl, basin, razors, soap and other items so that the traveling spirit can get cleaned-up. On the first day of November, the Day of the Dead begins and the gates of heaven open. The spirits that come out are those of children. After they reunite with their families, they return to the heavens so that on the following day, spirits of the adults could make a visit to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them.
Sugar Skulls
Sugar skulls are the most popular offerings during the day of the dead. They are traditional folk art from Central and Southern Mexico and are made of a sugar mixture that has been pressed into molds and then dried. Photo taken by Chelsie Kenyon
Atole
A thick drink that is made with masa and sometimes topped with fruit. Photo taken by Chelsie Kenyon
Pan de Muerto
This slightly sweet bread is used on the altars of loved ones during the Day of the Dead. To decorate the top of the loaf, the dough is formed into bone-like shapes. Photo taken by Chelsie Kenyon