How long do families spend in the cemeteries during Día de los Muertos?
three-day
During the three-day period families usually clean and decorate graves; most visit the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried and decorate their graves with ofrendas (altars), which often include orange Mexican marigolds (Tagetes erecta) called cempasúchil (originally named cempoaxochitl, Nāhuatl for “twenty …
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How are graves decorated on Day of the Dead?
Visiting cemeteries They decorate the graves with marigolds and candles, often placing Ofrendas right next to them. Then, on the holiday, people bring offerings of food and drink to honor their loved ones, as well as precious objects belonging to them.
What happens in the cemetery on El Dia de los Muertos?
The Day of the Dead is a time of celebration and remembrance of loved ones who have passed away, much like Memorial Day in the United States. 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.
Why do families visit graves during Día de los Muertos?
When the souls of loved ones return, family members want to provide the best presentation possible. It is believed the first place the dead visit is their gravesite. To prepare for their return, families will spend days cleaning the graves of the deceased and decorating them with cempasúchil, candles and photos.
What is a Mexican funeral called?
A velorio usually includes viewing of the corpse, as in most Catholic wakes. Instead of an open casket, however, the deceased person may be laid in a glass coffin or semi opaque shroud, so that there is a barrier between life and death. Mexican funeral traditions are deeply rooted in Catholicism. ( Shutterstock)
Why do we visit graves?
Visiting the grave of a loved one honors the memory of that person. It is a way of showing that this life had significance on Earth that is not forgotten. Some people view the entire process as spiritual. Being on hallowed ground is a source of comfort and peace; a place where contemplation and prayer seem so natural.
What should an ofrenda contain?
The Ofrenda is where you place photos of your deceased loved ones and special items that remind you of them; like their favorite foods, drinks, perfumes, flowers, anything really that brings back their memory.
What do you say in Mexico when someone dies?
The most common ones to offer condolences in Spanish are siento, lamento, and disculpa when using “sorry.” Lo siento./ Lo lamento. / Discúlpame.
When should you take down your ofrenda?
The ofrendas speak of affection toward the deceased and are an expression of love towards life. Altars are traditionally built on October 30th and 31st and are taken down November 2nd.
What color do you wear to a Mexican funeral?
What you wear to a Mexican funeral will be much the same as what you would wear to any other funeral. Dark colors make the best choice, and you should choose formal apparel over casual. Men and boys should wear dark slacks and dress shirts or suits. Women should wear modest, dark blouses, skirts, or dresses.