It’s All Souls’ Day or in the Latin world Day of the Dead. Also termed, Dia de los Muertos, it’s a day that families devote to remembering those that have passed away. Colorful alters are created in rememberance. Outsiders may feel that the theme of death, dress up, make up and skulls are dark and morbid, but everything has symbolism. This celebration evokes the senses.
The sugar skulls represent the cycle of life and the colors have meaning. The white represents purity and spirit. Yellow, is symbolism of the sun and people are all united as one under the sun. The color red is for the blood of life and pink represents happiness. Finally, the color purple is for the mourning that is felt in the hearts of people for the loss of their loved ones.
Monarch butterflies that may be seen on the skulls or face paintings represent the souls of the departed, and Marigold flowers are offered because the scent of the flowers are thought to help lead the spirits from the cemeteries to the homes of their families.
Day of the Dead is one day out of the year that people spend to feel the presence of those they have lost with life and joy.
