The Day of the Dead is a celebration Mexican and Mesoamerican tradition that honors the dead and takes place on the November 1 and 2.

The transition from life to death is a The passage from life to death is an emblematic moment that has caused admiration, uncertainty and fear to the human being. human through history. Throughout the years, in different cultures and cultures beliefs have been generated around death, which have managed to to develop rites and traditions either to frighten it, venerate it, honor it or even making fun of it.

One of the main aspects of the Mexican national identity is the concept of life and death, and all of the beliefs and traditions that revolve around it, such as the tradition of the to celebrate the Day of the Dead.

This tradition arises as part of the religious syncretism of the colonial era, since during the pre-Hispanic period, the cult of death was very present throughout the country.

During this day, families from all over the country gather to bring offerings to the deceased, which have a meaning and motif; they consist of placing an altar covered with cempasúchil petals, photos of deceased loved ones, as well as their favorite foods and things.

The ritual of the offering begins on the night of October 31 with the placement of the altar to receive the souls of the children who arrive on November 1, the next day the souls of the adults arrive and the offering must be removed on November 3.

The altars where the offerings are placed usually consist of one or two floors, which symbolize the earth, heaven and purgatory; but there are traditions in which the altars have up to 7 floors, which represent all the stages the soul goes through before obtaining eternal rest.

The meaning of the offerings:

Cempasúchil:

Helps the deceased to find the way to the offering thanks to its color and aroma.

Velvet flower:

It symbolizes mourning for loss.

Candles or candles:

They should be white in color and symbolize the purity of the deceased. The light helps souls to find their home and to return to the afterlife.

Sugar skulls:

They represent the deceased, that is why they must to wear their name on their foreheads.

Photographs:

A remembrance of the deceased in life.

Water:

It quenches the thirst of the deceased, purifies the soul and gives strength for the return.

Papel picado:

Represents air, one of the four elements which should always be present in the offering.

Incense or copal:

It drives away evil spirits.

Food:

It is customary to place the food or drink favorite of the deceased.

Salt:

Prevents the soul from becoming corrupted on the journey back and thus ensures the return the following year.

Pan de muerto:

It represents the deceased.

The cross:

It brings religious significance to the veneration of the dead.

Petate:

It serves as a resting place for the deceased.

Sweets

They entertain the souls of children.

This is how this day was experienced at Oasis Hotels & Resorts.