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Pre-Hispanic cultures of Meso-America viewed life as a dream. It was believed that in dying did one awaken. Death offered a release from daily suffering and problems. Since death was inevitable, it was never feared. In pre-Hispanic times it was believed that the dead made a long and dangerous journey through nine different underworlds before reaching Mictlán which was ruled by Mictlantecuhtli and Mictlancuatl, the god and goddess of the world of death. The afterworld to which a dead person would travel depended on the occupation held during life. Warriors dying in combat went to Tonatihilhuac, the place of the sun. Women dying in childbirth, went to Cihuatlampa, the region of the women. The rain god Tlaloc called anyone whose death involved water to Tlalocán, the paradise of the rain god. Children went to Chichihuacuauhco, the land of the wet-nurse tree, where they suckled from the milk-dripping trees while waiting to be reborn. The journey of the dead lasted four years, taking the soul across a series of deserts and mountains. It was impossible to pass over the great river at the end of the trek without the aid of a dog. This is why remains of dogs or clay-sculpture relics often were found at burial sites. Also by placing a jade ornament in the mouth of the dead would ensure that the jaguar would allow him to enter in peace. The festival for celebrating death was governed by the Aztec calendar. Warriors were honored during the fourteenth month at a festival called Quecholli. This fourteenth month coincides with November on the Julian calendar. The Spanish conquistadores came to the New World looking for gold and land, and to establish Christianity. They brought with them a new concept of death; the concept of good and bad. They believed in a final judgement day, heaven, and hell, which was quite different from the view of death held by the native population. As the Spanish became aware of the native customs honoring death they permitted them to continue thus creating a religion mixed with Catholic beliefs and indigenous practices. All Saints' Day, November 1, is a celebration of the Roman Catholic church. All Souls' Day, November 2, is a day to pray for the souls of departed baptized Christians believed to be in purgatory. These two dates occur at the same time as the celebration of death during Quecholli. Thus the celebration mixed Catholic and native practices regarding death. It is believed that on the Day of the Dead, the deceased are given divine consent to visit with their relatives and friends on earth. Starting around the middle of October, preparations are made to welcome home the souls of the dead relatives. In most Mexican towns, skeletons are seen in all shapes and forms. Bakeries, candy shops prepare special treats in shapes of skeletons and skulls. Papel picado is hung from the ceilings with cutouts of skeletons. The golden-orange petals of the cempazuchitl flower, similar to a marigold, are seen everywhere decorating altars and graves. In most homes altars are setup to welcome home the soul of the dead relative. On the altar are the favorite toys, food, and drinks. Photographs and candles are also included. On November 1, the souls of children are honored. The adult souls return home on November 2. Other typical customs include attending the theatrical performance of Don Juan Tenorio, and publishing poems in newspapers poking fun about death. The artwork of José Guadalupe Posada is always show during celebrations of the Day of the Dead. Taken from Teacher's Discovery Center, La historia del día de los muertos. Los perros negros que se llaman xoloitzcuintle (xolo - pronounced "sholo")
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[Lake
Tahoe Community College] [World
Languages Dept.] [LTCC
Study Abroad] |
