Final answer:
Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that combines Aztec traditions with Spanish influence. The holiday is celebrated with altars, sugar skulls, and the honoring of deceased loved ones. It was originally celebrated in the summer but shifted to align with Catholic holidays.
Step-by-step explanation:
Key Points from the article:
- Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that honors and remembers deceased loved ones.
- It is celebrated over several days, from October 31st to November 2nd.
- The tradition combines indigenous Aztec beliefs and Catholicism.
- Ofrendas, or altars, are created to welcome spirits back to the living world.
- Calaveras, or sugar skulls, are a common symbol of the holiday.
Aztec Traditions:
Some parts of Día de los Muertos that come from Aztec traditions include the belief in an afterlife, the use of marigold flowers, and the importance of honoring ancestors.
Spanish Influence:
The Spanish influence on Día de los Muertos can be seen in the introduction of Catholic rituals and holidays, such as All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, which align with the dates of the celebration.
Something New:
One thing I learned from the article that I didn't know before is that Día de los Muertos was originally celebrated in the summer, but it later shifted to coincide with the Catholic holidays.
Learn more about Día de los Muertos