Day of the Dead: A beautiful and meaningful holiday

Everyone knows Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving, but what about Dia de los Muertos? It’s Day of the Dead, a revered holiday honoring family and ancestors that began in Mexico more than five hundred years ago.

Today, in the 21st century, it goes largely overlooked in mainstream society, overshadowed by Halloween and preparations for the gluttonous turkey day that comes later in November.

Day of the Dead originated with the ancient Aztec civilization as they honored their loved ones and deities at the time of bountiful harvests. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, the Spaniards, who were Catholic, attempted to eliminate the Aztec observance. But when the native population refused to give up the ritual they held sacred, the conquistadors, instead, chose to assimilate it into the Catholic holiday of All Souls Day on Nov. 2. Many of the ancient Aztec practices were preserved, but also changed to incorporate the traditions of Christian rulers.

Today, Dia de los Muertos continues as a favorite holiday among Latin American cultures, particularly for those in Mexico or of Mexican descent. Every October, a large table is set up with artifacts as a reminder of loved ones past and present.

The table is highly decorated with items representing the four elements of earth, water, fire, and wind. Foods enjoyed by ancestors are brought to the table and laid out in a sumptuous presentation. That symbolizes the earth.

Glass pitchers or decorated pottery filled with water are set nearby to recognize the element of water. Fire is recognized by adding candles, usually attached to tall, elaborately carved candelabra. Wind is found personified in the form of colorful sheets of paper cut into intricate patterns that are then hung above the table to flutter in the breeze.

When the ritual originated, there was no photography, so departed loved ones were commemorated with calaveras azucar, miniature skulls made of sugar and meringue. The name of the lost family member was then inscribed on the forehead and the remainder of the memorial piece was painted or frosted with shapes of flowers and teardrops flowing from the eyes.

Because they’re welcoming their beloveds’ return in spirit, family members often are dressed up as skeletons in honor of the departed who were now, physically anyway, skeletons themselves. Calacas, or skeletons, were commonly sculpted of clay or cut from paper and added to the display.

Since the whole purpose of the shrine was to remember loved ones past, the painted skulls bearing their names were the centerpiece of the exhibit. Flowers, usually marigolds, were also arranged in a beautiful arch stretching above the table and were a figure of life, bestowing a golden ambience to the setting. Altogether, the assemblage was known as an ofrenda, and grandparents, parents, children, and even pets, gathered around to pay their respects in a celebration of life, not just a mourning of death.

Music played an important role in the celebration, frequently with guitars and small instruments being played as family members danced in joy as they welcomed the spirits of their ancestors and all shared in the feast that had been cooked fresh that day to nourish everyone’s body and soul.

Eastern Iowa will have a unique opportunity to learn the beauty and meaning of this sacred tradition as a new restaurant specializing in Latin cuisine opens its ofrenda and fiesta for all members of the public in Cedar Rapids.

The venue, Mi Lindo Vallarta, debuted two months ago and its owners, originally of Puerto Vallarta, on Mexico’s Gulf Coast, are excited to share the beloved customs of their ancestry with the people of Iowa. Sugar skulls are to be available to paint, paper and patterns to cut in homage to the wind will be offered, and music of the holiday will serenade the dining room with the sounds of joyous celebration.

While historically on Nov. 2, in order to introduce the festival to everyone, the restaurant will be hosting the observance the last two weeks of October into All Souls Day. They welcome costumes, especially skeletons, but all are invited.

It is a rare opportunity in the region to experience a holiday cherished by the people of Mexico, but too often overlooked by the fuss of Halloween and preparations for Thanksgiving. Stop by and add a tribute to your loved ones or just to learn more about it and you’ll see why it is such a revered ritual for everyone of all ages.

David V. Wendell is a Marion historian, author and special events coordinator specializing in American history.