"El Día de los Muertos y el Día de Todos los Santos: Comparación de ritos de paso en la

cultura mexicana y polaca"

Rites of passage are fundamental elements of human societies, serving as ceremonial

milestones that mark significant transitions and transformations in individuals' lives.
Anthropologist Arnold van Gennep's concept of "ritos de paso" provides a framework for
understanding these rituals and their cultural significance. By studying rites of passage, we
gain profound insights into the values, beliefs, and practices of different communities,
unraveling the intricacies of their cultural traditions. In this essay, we delve into the
comparison of rites of passage in Mexican and Polish culture during the Day of the Dead and
All Saints' Day, utilizing the lens of "ritos de paso" to analyze these unique and sacred
observances.
Rites of passage hold a vital place in societies worldwide, as they symbolize the transition
from one social or cultural status to another. Van Gennep's concept emphasizes three distinct
phases: the pre-liminal, liminal, and post-liminal phases. Each stage plays a crucial role in
understanding the rituals and customs associated with rites of passage, offering valuable
insights into the psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of these transformative
experiences.
Studying rites of passage is of immense significance as it allows us to unravel the intricacies
of cultural traditions and provides a profound understanding of the values and beliefs held by
different societies. These rituals serve as a bridge between the past, present, and future,
embodying the collective memory, heritage, and identity of a community. Through the
exploration of rites of passage, we gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human
experiences and foster intercultural dialogue and understanding.
In this essay, we will specifically focus on the rites of passage observed during the Day of the
Dead in Mexican culture and All Saints' Day in Polish culture. These occasions hold immense
cultural and spiritual significance, where individuals and communities come together to honor
and remember their departed loved ones. By examining these rituals through the lens of "ritos
de paso," we aim to compare and contrast the rites of passage in Mexican and Polish culture,
shedding light on the similarities and differences in the ways these communities
commemorate their deceased relatives.
While exploring the Day of the Dead and All Saints' Day, is important to focus on the pre-
liminal, liminal, and post-liminal phases, analyzing the rituals, symbols, and cultural nuances
embedded within these rites of passage. By comparing these traditions, we hope to gain a
deeper understanding of how Mexican and Polish cultures perceive and navigate the profound
mysteries of life, death, and the afterlife.
Dia de los Muertos has it’s roots in pre-colonial times, before the spanish arrived in america.
The Aztecs had an understanding of a circle of life that let them belive that death is just a part
of life. “Upon dying, a person was believed to travel to Chicunamictlán, the Land of the Dead.
Only after getting through nine challenging levels, a journey of several years, could the
person’s soul finally reach Mictlán, the final resting place. In Nahua rituals honoring the dead,
traditionally held in August, family members provided food, water and tools to aid the
deceased in this difficult journey”1. After the Spanish conquest of Mexico, Catholic elements
were integrated into the indigenous traditions, resulting in the modern-day observance of Dia
de los Muertos on November 1st and 2nd.
In Poland, the rite of grandfathers was formerly celebrated, it was a form of meeting the living
and the dead and ensuring solace and peace in the afterlife. One of the most important
changes was the incorporation of the Dziady rite into the tradition of the Catholic All Saints.
As a result of the Christianization of Poland in the 10th century, folk customs were enriched
with religious elements, and Dziady became part of the celebration of the Catholic All Saints'
Day. Traditions related to the celebration of Dziady in Poland have evolved from historical
times to the present days of All Saints' Day. The Christianization of Poland contributed to the
combination of folk customs with Catholic tradition, and the emphasis on praying for the dead
became an important element of the celebrations. However, there is still a strong
understanding and respect for ancestors and traditions cultivated over the centuries.
"Rito de paso" refers to a ceremonial or ritualistic event that marks a significant transition or
transformation in an individual’s life. The concept od ‘rito de paso”was introduced by the
French anthropologist Arnold Van Gennep in his book “Ritos de Paso”.
According to van Gennep, a rite of passage typically consists of three distinct phases: pre-
laminal, laminal and postlaminal. These phases represent the stages an individual goes
through during a rite of passage, involving a symbolic separation from their previous social or
cultural status, a period of transition where they are in an ambiguous and liminal state, and
finally, their reintegration into society with a new status or identity. “Propongo en
consecuencia llamar ritosprellmznares a los ritos de separación del mundo antenor,
ritoslimina-resa los ritos ejecutados durante el estadio de margen y ritos postliminares a los
ritos de agregación al mundo nuevo”2.
Rites of passage serve important social, cultural, and psychological functions within a
community. They often reflect and reinforce the values, beliefs, and norms of a particular
culture or society. Examples of rites of passage can include initiation ceremonies, weddings,
funerals, coming-of-age rituals, and other significant life events that involve a transition from
one stage to another.
By studying rites of passage, researchers and anthropologists gain valuable insights into the
dynamics of a society, its cultural practices, and the meanings attributed to various life events.
These rituals provide a window into understanding the social structure, roles, and
relationships within a community, as well as the individual's journey through different stages
of life.
It is important to understand that El Día de los Muertos and the Day of the Dead, while
different from traditional rites of passage, still reflect fundamental aspects of the transition
between the world of the dead and the world of the living. In both cases, there is a clear
separation from everyday reality where communities focus on remembering and
communicating with the dead. They then experience a liminal phase where the boundaries
between the worlds become blurred and the community becomes involved in rituals, symbols

1
History.com Editors, Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos),
https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/day-of-the-dead, [27.05.2023]
2
Van Gennep, Arnold (2008) Los ritos de paso. Madrid, Alianza Editorial: 38
and traditions related to the dead. Finally, there is reaggregation as the community returns to
everyday life, but with new understanding and strengthened social bonds.
Before the actual observance of the Day of the Dead and All Saints' Day, both Mexican and
Polish cultures engage in a preparatory stage that marks the beginning of the rites of passage.
During this phase, individuals and communities make deliberate efforts to separate
themselves from their everyday routines and enter a sacred space dedicated to honoring the
deceased.
In Mexican culture, the preparations for the Day of the Dead typically begin well in advance.
Families clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones, creating elaborate altars known as
"ofrendas" in their homes or at cemeteries. These ofrendas are adorned with vibrant marigold
flowers, candles, incense, and photographs of the departed. The act of cleaning the graves and
setting up the ofrendas serves as a symbolic separation from the ordinary tasks of daily life. It
signals the transition into a time of reverence and remembrance, where the focus shifts
towards the spiritual realm and the connection with deceased ancestors.
Similarly, in Polish culture, the preparations for All Saints' Day involve significant acts of
separation. Families visit cemeteries to clean and adorn the graves of their loved ones. They
meticulously remove weeds, replace old flowers, and light candles to create a sacred
atmosphere. The physical act of cleaning the graves and creating a serene environment serves
as a symbolic separation from the mundane concerns of everyday life. It represents a
dedication of time and energy to honor and remember the departed, as well as a conscious
shift towards the spiritual realm.
In both Mexican and Polish cultures, the separation phase also includes personal and
communal acts of mourning and remembrance. Individuals may wear specific attire or
adornments to signify their participation in the rites of passage. It is common to see
individuals in Mexico wearing calavera (skull) makeup or traditional clothing associated with
the Day of the Dead, while in Poland, individuals often dress in somber attire, including black
clothing, as a sign of respect.
The pre-liminal phase of separation in both cultures establishes a distinct boundary between
everyday life and the sacred space of remembrance. It involves tangible actions such as
cleaning graves, setting up altars, and engaging in specific dress codes, all of which symbolize
the separation from the ordinary and the entry into a realm of spiritual connection and
commemoration.
Transition The liminal period during Day of the Dead and All Saints' Day represents a
significant phase of transition and transformation in Mexican and Polish cultures. This liminal
phase is characterized by a symbolic meaning. In Mexican culture, families gather at
cemeteries or in their homes, where they engage in various rituals and practices to establish a
profound connection with their departed loved ones. They may share stories and memories,
offer favorite foods and drinks of the deceased, and even play music or engage in dancing to
honor their spirits. The atmosphere is vibrant and lively, as participants believe that during
this liminal phase, the souls of the departed return to visit and share in the celebrations. The
act of communing with the spirits of the deceased is seen as a powerful and transformative
experience, facilitating a sense of continuity, love, and support between the living and the
dead. In Polish culture, the liminal phase during All Saints' Day is marked by a similar sense
of connection and remembrance. Families visit the graves of their loved ones, often staying
for extended periods, praying, and reflecting on the lives of the deceased. Candles illuminate
the cemeteries, casting a warm and ethereal glow. The silence is broken by prayers, hymns,
and the collective recitation of psalms. This liminal phase serves as an opportunity for
introspection, contemplation, and spiritual communion. At this time, a boundry between the
world of living and the world of the dead is blurred, so the participants can join together to
remember those who have passed away.
In mexican culture thos rituals have more light and positive spirit, people get together in order
to cherish the good moments and in a way meet with the ones that are not there with them
anymore. In polish culture this day is asociated with more of a calm spirit of rememberance
and sharing stories. People let themselves feel the grief of losing someone again. Also, the
November weather adds to the cold and more still atmosphere. These practices serve as a
means of honoring and remembering the departed, creating a sense of unity.
Throughout the different phases of the rites of passage in the Day of the Dead and All Saints'
Day, there are notable similarities in the rituals and symbolism observed in both Mexican and
Polish cultures. The pre-liminal phase, characterized by separation, involves cleaning and
adorning graves or setting up altars to create sacred spaces dedicated to the deceased. This act
of preparing the physical environment demonstrates a shared desire to create a welcoming
space for the spirits of the departed.
In the liminal phase, the transitional period, both cultures engage in practices that foster a
connection with the deceased. Lighting candles, offering favorite foods and drinks, and
sharing stories and memories are common elements in the rituals. These actions symbolize a
desire to honor and remember the departed, creating a sense of continuity and celebrating the
lives they lived. Community and family play a vital role in the rites of passage during the Day
of the Dead and All Saints' Day in both Mexican and Polish cultures. These observances are
deeply rooted in communal traditions, with individuals coming together to collectively
remember and honor their deceased loved ones.
In Mexican culture, the Day of the Dead is a highly communal affair. Families gather at
cemeteries, homes, or community spaces, creating a sense of unity as they share in the rituals
and celebrations. There is a strong emphasis on the extended family and community
connections, with relatives and friends coming together to remember not only their immediate
family members but also other departed individuals who were significant in their lives.
Similarly, in Polish culture, All Saints' Day is marked by a sense of community and family.
Families visit cemeteries together, often spanning multiple generations. They engage in
collective acts of remembrance, sharing prayers, hymns, and stories of the departed. The
atmosphere is one of togetherness and support, as individuals lean on their loved ones for
strength and solace during this time of honoring the deceased.
While the Day of the Dead and All Saints' Day share similarities, there are also variations and
unique aspects in the rites of passage observed in Mexican and Polish cultures. One notable
distinction lies in the aesthetic and symbolism used during the observances.
In Mexican culture, vibrant colors, particularly the marigold flowers, are prominently featured
in the Day of the Dead rituals. The use of calavera (skull) makeup and costumes, sugar skulls,
and colorful decorations reflects a celebration of life and the belief in the continuity of
existence beyond death. It is a joyous and festive occasion that embraces the cyclical nature of
life and death. The most known simbols and decoration are: flowers (flor de cempasúchil), las
velas, el papel picado (en forma de guirnalda, decora el altar y tiene sus origenes en la cultura
azteca), las calaveras y diferentes figuras religiosas.
In contrast, All Saints' Day in Polish culture carries a more solemn and introspective tone.
Black clothing is often worn as a sign of respect, and the atmosphere at cemeteries is subdued.
The focus is on prayer, reflection, and contemplation, with an emphasis on spiritual
communion and remembrance. The rituals highlight the somber aspects of mortality and the
reverence for the departed. It is also thought to be polite to stay calm and quiet and let
everyone process and reflect on life.
These variations reflect the cultural nuances and individual expressions of the rites of passage
in each society. Despite the differences, both Mexican and Polish cultures share a common
goal of honoring and remembering their deceased loved ones, fostering a connection between
the living and the dead, and finding solace and meaning in the cycle of life and death.
When analyzing the rites of passage during the Day of the Dead and All Saints' Day in
Mexican and Polish cultures according to "Los ritos de paso" by Arnold van Gennep, the
following main points of comparison emerge:
Pre-Liminal Phase: Both cultures engage in preparatory activities, such as cleaning graves and
setting up altars or ofrendas, to create sacred spaces dedicated to the deceased. These actions
symbolize the separation from everyday routines and signify the transition into a time of
remembrance and reverence.
Liminal Phase: The liminal period during these observances represents a transitional phase
where individuals enter a state of heightened awareness and connection with the deceased. In
both Mexican and Polish cultures, participants engage in rituals and practices that foster this
connection, such as lighting candles, offering favorite foods, sharing stories and memories,
and engaging in prayer and reflection. The liminal phase blurs the boundaries between the
living and the dead, allowing for a deeper understanding of life, death, and spiritual
communion.
Role of Community and Family: Community and family play significant roles in the rites of
passage. Both cultures emphasize the collective nature of these observances, with families and
communities coming together to honor and remember their departed loved ones. The shared
rituals and acts of remembrance create a sense of unity, support, and continuity between the
living and the dead.
Variations and Unique Aspects: While there are similarities, there are also variations and
unique aspects in the rites of passage of each culture. Mexican traditions emphasize vibrant
colors, calavera makeup, and festive celebrations, reflecting a celebration of life and the belief
in the continuity of existence. Polish traditions carry a more solemn and introspective tone,
with black attire, prayers, and contemplation underscoring the reverence for the departed.
Studying and appreciating cultural traditions, particularly through the lens of rites of passage,
offers us a profound opportunity to understand the depth and richness of human experiences
across different societies. Exploring the variations and differences in these traditions allows us
to broaden our perspectives, foster intercultural understanding, and cultivate a sense of global
unity amidst diversity.
By delving into the rites of passage observed in different cultures, we gain insight into the
fundamental aspects of human existence: birth, maturation, death, and beyond. We come to
appreciate the diverse ways in which societies mark these significant milestones,
acknowledging that there is no singular path or universal approach. Instead, we discover a
tapestry of practices, beliefs, and rituals that reflect the unique historical, religious, and social
contexts of each culture.
Studying and appreciating these cultural traditions helps us recognize that there is value in
every cultural expression. It allows us to move beyond stereotypes and preconceptions,
fostering empathy, respect, and appreciation for the richness of human diversity. It can make
us more curious and and opened. Moreover, the study of cultural traditions through the lens of
rites of passage enables us to see the common threads that connect humanity. While the
specific rituals and practices may differ, the underlying themes of transition, transformation,
and community are universal. We recognize our shared aspirations, fears, and desires,
discovering that we are all on a journey of life and looking for meaning in our existence.
In conclusion, the comparison of cultural traditions surrounding the Day of the Dead in
Mexico and All Saints' Day in Poland reveals fascinating differences that highlight the unique
histories, beliefs, and practices of each culture.

Bibliografia:

1. Van Gennep, Arnold (2008) Los ritos de paso. Madrid, Alianza Editorial
2. Jakub Jagodziński (2021-10-31), Día de Muertos czyli Dzień Zmarłych w Meksyku,
Histmag, https://histmag.org/Dia-de-Muertos-czyli-Dzien-Zmarlych-w-Meksyku-
23003
3. History.com Editors (30-10-2018 ) Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), History,
https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/day-of-the-dead
4. Isabel Ávila (12-10-2022), Descubre el significado de los elementos más relevantes
del Día de Muertos, Vogue Mexico y Latinoamérica, https://www.vogue.mx/estilo-de-
vida/articulo/elementos-del-dia-de-muertos-y-su-significado
5. Grażyna Stelmaszewska (1-11-2021), Jakie korzenie ma dzień Wszytskich Świętych?,
Memorarium, https://moremaiorum.pl/jakie-korzenie-ma-dzien-wszystkich-swietych/
6.