The 56th Mile of Life

Hello, My Wondering Readers,

One of the most fascinating subjects I have ever encountered and learned about is Día de Muertos. This celebration is not only beautiful but also very meaningful. Primarily, it’s celebrated in Mexico. It’s the celebration of Death being a part of life. You would think such a celebration would be sad, but in fact it’s filled with colors, marigolds, and Ofrendas.

It’s a time when families gather and celebrate the lives of their loved ones, with food, drink, togetherness, and above all else, culture. Everything about this celebration has always cast a net of beauty and magic, particularly the effort families put into creating a warm welcome for their loved ones who have passed away to visit. In fact, every year, Fort Worth holds a celebration contest of the figure La Catrina’s . Each year, individuals come together to create a La Catrina’s to display, celebrate, and hopefully win!

Let’s break down a few things about this culture and the details of this celebration so you can understand the beauty, thought, and love that go into it.

The Days of Dia de los Muertos

Typically, celebrations begin on October 31st, which also coincides with the Catholic holiday of “All Saints Day and All Souls Day”.

November 1st – honoring deceased children

November 2nd – honors deceased adults

Before I mentioned an Ofrenda, I should note that it is a traditional altar used to honor and remember deceased loved ones. It includes displaying pictures of loved ones who have passed away, along with items they may have enjoyed during their lives. Whether it be food, drink, or mementos, it’s a big part of this culture because it serves as a way to connect with their ancestors, inviting the spirits to visit during the celebration. These alters can also contain candles, marigolds, papel picado (decorative paper), and the burning of incense, bringing a welcoming atmosphere for the spirits.

Marigolds are significant due to their bright orange and yellow colors, which are believed to represent the Sun and Light. Symbolizing the connection between the living and the deceased. The Marigolds help guide them back to their family to visit and participate in the celebration. They play a vital role!

Lastly, Catrina’s, this is a depicted character that embodies themes of remembrance and family connection—symbolizing honor and celebrating the lives of the deceased. She can represent love, loss, and continuity of life beyond death.

I hope all those who are celebrating have a wonderful time and enjoy the company of their loved ones. To those who don’t, it’s never too late to understand culture outside your regular practice. We all live on this earth together; take a message from the deceased and learn how to love one another despite our differences and cultural backgrounds.

-56 (Taylor Holsten-Davis)