El Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a national holiday in Mexico. It's origins are found deep in the ancient ceremonies of indigenous Mexicans. It is traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd.
Death has a unique persona in Mexico which is not found anywhere else in the world. In pre-Hispanic culture, death was just a further step in life itself. A step which offered a security and serenity markedly contrasting that of the suffering and worries which afflict mankind in this world of hardships. Life and death complement each other. The ancient Mexicans believed that life issued from death just as death issued from life.
With the introduction of Catholicism, attention was no longer focused on Death itself, but rather on the dead and on the spirits. And so the Mexican people celebrate every November 2 on the return of their dear departed who, as ethereal souls, come back for one day to their burial place and the home where they lived.
In many homes a ritual altar is prepared to honor the returning souls. In Mexico, altars are often adorned with Zempasuchitl, a kind of marigold which is the traditional flower of the dead. In some arrangements gladiolus and lilies are used as well.
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