Custom of Day Of The Dead

1. The altar is one of the most important traditions of this holiday and every altar should
have four natural elements represented: earth, wind, fire, and water. Earth is often
signified with flowers, wind can been seen when the light of a candle flickers, which is also
used for fire, and a glass of water is placed on the altar to complete the four elements.

2. The Mexican marigold is called cempasúchil and is known as the “flower of the dead.”
They are used to decorate the graves, altars, or small shrines people keep at their homes
to honor their family members. The colour and strong scent is given off by these flowers
are said to attract the dead and guide them back to their families.

3. You work up a mighty hunger and thirst traveling from the spirit world back to the realm
of the living. At least that’s the traditional belief in Mexico. Some families place their dead
loved one’s favorite meal on the altar.

4. During the days of the dead, the family often takes the opportunity to visit the gravesite
and pull weeds, clean any debris and decorate the graves of loved ones. Often candles,
flowers and the favorite foods of the deceased are placed on the grave and the family
visits, eats, sings and tells favorite stories about those who have passed.

5. In Mexico, the remains of deceased relatives are removed from the cemetery and carefully
nd
cleaned before being reburied. They believe that every 2 of November is the day when
the souls of the dead return home. Before this day, the remains of the dead must be
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cleaned. On the 2 of November, grand celebrations will be held throughout Mexico to
celebrate the “reunion” with their ancestors. On the day of the festival, the Peruvians go
to the cemetery to hold a traditional memorial ceremony.

6. Sure there are skeletons, picnics in the graveyard, and offerings for the departed, but Day
of the Dead is not supposed to be scary. During this celebration, the spirits of the dead
are welcomed, not feared! It‘s a time to remember and honor loved ones and ancestors
from long ago. This celebratory occasion isn’t sad either because death is seen as an
extension of life.

7. Dead bread or pan de muerto is a typical treat enjoyed during Day of the Dead by both
the living and the departed. This sweet bread is decorated with sugar and topped with
small pieces of bread shaped like bones. Another traditional sweet indulgence is sugar
skulls, which are exactly that: sugar in the shape of skulls colorfully decorated with pink,
orange, green, and yellow icing.