Hispanic community celebrates 'Day of the Dead'

Intermountain Catholic

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The Day of the Dead altar displays colorful perforated paper, images of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, fragrant flowers, especially purple and gold, or the marigold known as the flower of death, and the bread of the dead. This ritual is a symbol of family unity that embraces deceased members in a special way by giving them honorable recognition. The ritual is a symbol of family unity. It embraces deceased members and creates a sense of identity with ancestors.IC photo by Christine Young

SALT LAKE CITY — Every year on Nov. 1 "All Saints Day," and Nov. 2 "All Souls Day," the Day of the Dead festivities take place in many areas of Mexico.

To honor their heritage and religious traditions, the Hispanic youth and young adults gathered at the Pastoral Center to honor the dead Nov. 2. This year, along with their relatives, they chose to honor the six minors who were trapped Aug. 6, when the Crandall Canyon mine collapsed in Huntington.

"While it is strange for most of us to accept the fact that death and festivities can go hand-in-hand, for most Mexicans, the two are intricately entwined," said Maria- Cruz Gray, director of the Diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministries. "We are people who believe in the resurrection and that we will be reunited with our loved ones when we die. Death is only a temporary separation. It is our tradition to sing songs, pray novenas, pray the rosary, and honor our dead, then everybody feels so much better.

"Some people cry because they miss their mother, father, or other relatives but then they feel cleansed and can go on with life. They feel the presence of the loved one," said Gray. This all stems from the ancient indigenous peoples of Mexico who believed that the souls of the dead return each year to visit with their living relatives – to eat, drink, and be merry. Just like when they were living. This tradition began before Christians moved into Mexico. The Catholic Church tried to root out any non-Christian customs still practiced among the people, but the Christian customs were absorbed into the worship of the indigenous religion."

For instance, a crucifix was added to the altar. The festival of the dead was changed from August to November adapting to the Catholic liturgical calendar, which celebrates the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed.

Gray explained the altar is adorned with brightly colored items and many candles and vigil lights. The purpose of all the colors and lights is to provide illumination so the souls of the dead can easily find their way home. The altar becomes a meeting place where the souls of the dead, along with their living relatives enjoy once more that which gave them pleasure in life. The ritual creates a sense of identity with relatives and ancestors.

A large number of articles form the altar such as special colorful perforated paper, images of the saints, the Virgin Mary, Jesus, photographs of deceased relatives, and colorful and fragrant flowers, especially velvet colored or purple flowers, and the flower of death commonly known as the marigold.

A variety of dishes are prepared for the offering, but most popular are chicken or turkey sauce, tamales, enchiladas, the pan de muertos or bread of the dead, and foods the deceased relatives liked to eat.