Hello and welcome to the latest posting from Innersound Ancestry.

In my last two posts we looked at the traditional Korean practise of ancestor veneration which is an integral part of their culture. But it is not just in the Orient that these beliefs are prevalent. Our focus now shifts to central america, Mexico to be precise. The Mexican Day of the Dead is a festival that is famous around the globe. Its roots lie in ancient Aztec ceremonies that happened in the ninth month of the Aztec calendar which is August in the Gregorian calendar. These Aztec ceremonial rites would continue for a whole month and were in honour of the Goddess of the Dead. The Aztecs knew her as  Mictecacihuatl the Queen of the underworld who ruled over the spirit world with her husband Mictlantecuhtli. It was her function to guard the bones of the dead.

These Aztec traditions were absorbed into the Spanish culture that arrived with the Conquistadores to give us the                 

In Mexico since the early 20th century this Goddess of the Dead has been depicted as 'Catrina'.

La Calavera Catrina,which translates as the elegant skull  was first featured in

an etching by jose Gaudelupe pasada in 1910.

'catrina'

 This etching was one of many representations of popular figures of the period shown as skulls. This one became so popular that it became synonymous with the Day of the Dead and is now often seen in altars and costumes during the festivities.

The Day of the Dead happens on the 2nd of November with the Day of the Innocents happening on the 1st of november. These dates correspond with the Catholic All Saints and All Souls Days.

During the three days of festivities people visit the grave sites of their ancestors where they decorate the tomb with sugar skulls called Calavera de Azukar and Mexican marigolds. The Mexican Marigold is often known as the flower of the dead. These are supposed to attract the spirits of the ancestors so that they can hear the prayers of their descendants.

Many offerings are made at the grave site and the tomb will be cleaned and decorated. Gifts are made that are approriate for the departed spirit, hence a deceased child will be offered toys and a deceased adult alcohol such as tequila.

There will be more from Innersound Ancestry soon.

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regards,

Innersound Ancestry