Day of the Dead altars are made as a way of remembering and honoring deceased friends and family. The colors used in painting the faces of people celebrating the Day of the Dead or the tattoos representing this day also have meaning. While the holiday originated in Mexico, it is celebrated all over Latin America with colorful calaveras (skulls) and calacas (skeletons). The Day of the Dead – November 2 nd . Learn how the Day of the Dead started and the traditions that make it unique. The Day of the Dead is not synonymous with Halloween, though it does shortly follow All Hallows' Eve. The days of the dead are truly a celebration of life. Specific images have meaning as well and below are some of meanings behind these images and colors. The Meaning of a Sugar Skull. What Do Day of the Dead Face Painting Designs Mean? Bread. Celebrated primarily in Mexico and Latin American countries, the holiday takes place on … The most common design is to paint the face to resemble a skull. The meaning behind the symbols of the Day of the Dead. The celebrations of the Day of the Dead include a wide spectrum of religious, historical and spiritual aspects which are identical parts of the Mexican culture. The popular image of a woman wearing skull-like make up – also called – comes from Mexican tradition and more specifically, as the name points out, from the Day of the Dead… A sacred, joyous time, Day of the Dead traditions include food and flowers, visits with family … Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, honors the legacy of those who have died. A decorated altar that contains a series of items and objects honoring the spirits of the Day of the Dead. 6 Day of the Dead Symbols and Their Meaning. It is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November, but this tradition dates all the way back to 1630s. Day of the Dead is one very colorful celebration that honors death and those who have passed. Some altars have alcohol, sometimes presented as small jars with tequila, others with beer, usually with the drink that the dead person used to enjoy. The “Day of the Dead” might seem similar to Halloween in many ways, but it’s a very different type of holiday with its own symbology, rituals, and traditions. During Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, October 31 through November 2, families gather together to remember and honor their deceased loved ones. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration of life and death. The true reason for the unisex appeal, however, comes from the meaning behind the ink. The tradition is a mixture of Catholic beliefs with the religions of indigenous Mexican people. A Religious Homage. This represents the generosity of the host and a gift from the earth. Days before the altar set up, people cook traditional dishes such as tamales so the dead can enjoy the smells. 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