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ORIGINS OF THE FEAST DAY OF THE DEAD
Death in the Mixtec culture, as in most Mesoamerican cultures, is not the end of life, but the beginning of the road to a new form of exist next to the gods. More than the fact of death, what matters most is to die. And is this other world which no representations, customs and traditions, as to the unknown road as we both said, you can only imagine with symbols. Although considered the life cycle culminating in death, also felt that the latter was only a step in existence, why should perform some ceremonies, the most important of which is now known as the Feast Day of the Dead, which has a pre-Hispanic origin. The offering Indian
goes back a few thousand 800 years before Christ, because they buried their dead with specific offerings. Later, about 1 500 years before Christ, people buried the bodies accompanied with rich offerings of pottery, food and personal items. The inhabitants of Mesoamerica believed that after death, continue to live in another way. The dead were buried with any case of objects that could be helpful in their journey to Mictlan.

dead The party is linked to the pre-Hispanic agricultural calendar , it is the only party that was held when started the collection or harvest. That is, is the first major post-season banquet shortages in previous months and is shared even with the dead. So they thought represented the relationship existed between harvest and planting cycle of life and death. The existence in the afterlife they said, was in accordance with the form of death, not observed behavior in life, so do not be afraid of punishment after death.

DAYS THE CELEBRATION
October 28: We remember those who died violently or who died at birth, known as the "thorns."
October 31: They Altars for children and adults in the afternoon or evening, some starting at 12 noon.
November 1: The Feast of All Saints. The Altar is mostly for little angels who come from 8 am (Oaxaca) or from 12 noon (Edomex). The fireworks fire the "thorns" and welcome the angels. To be at 8 pm (Oaxaca)
November 2: Day of All Souls. Received adults, who arrive between 8 am and leave at 8 pm (Oaxaca). By that time can pick up the altar and began to distribute the offering. Gone are the angels at 12 days and become adults. (Edomex)
November 3: Other collected this day the Altar at 12 days, the time to be adults and to then make the distribution. (Edomex)
With the arrival of the English, it's Christian altars or offerings tend to include new elements such as: Santos, Christ, crosses and some fruits that did not exist in America. Two of the main similarities between these two views were belief in the immortality of the soul and the cult of the dead. Like the fact to offer these, light candles and burn aromatic resins. After the English conquest in Mexico was established All Saints Day and All Souls, by order of Pope Gregory IV.

DESTINATIONS AND GODS
First: The Tlalocan or place of Tlaloc, regarded as the paradise of the rain god was reserved for those who died in circumstances or water-related phenomena: the drowned, the swoon by lightning, leprosy, pneumonia, colds, who died accidentally, which are melted down, they fell to a stone. The place was a kind of earthly paradise where they received Tlaloc. In that place of eternity spent chasing butterflies, enjoyed swimming and eating delicious fruits or playing ball. There reigned an eternal summer.

Second: With Huitzilopochtli, the god of war, came only those who died in combat, the captives were killed, women dying in childbirth and and traders who had perished in the commercial expeditions. Came to the house of the Sun Tonatiuh Ichan ilhuicatl ("the sky is the abode of the Sun"). Die fighting for the Aztecs was the best death, death desired. As she gave the opportunity to accompany the sun in its daily birth and beyond, like birds.

The third destination of the dead was: Mictlan or place of the dead, sitado in the depths of the earth, reserved for non-classified or who died a natural death. It was inhabited by two gods of death Mictlantecuhtli Mr. and Mrs. Mictecacíhuatl. The path of the souls destined to Mictlan was very complex because four years had to pass through various places facing all kinds of hazards and vicissitudes before reaching the Chignahuamictlán, resting place or disappeared.

These sites were further step: two mountain ranges that meet almost, a snake, a green lizard (some say it was a crocodile), eight deserts, eight hills, an area of \u200b\u200bicy winds that cut like knives (that's why they burned their clothes) and finally crossed the river Chignahuapan, with the help of dog with which they were buried . And so fortunate that her journey ended with it came to Mictlantecuhtli, who gave, as an offering, bunches of cane torches, and perfume, cotton, thread red and blankets.

also that their souls may come to their final destination and overcome the difficulties of crossing the bodies were placed various objects, which allowed them to overcome obstacles. Here is significantly the conception of the Altar of the Dead as current offerings. During this long journey, they could stop in their dwellings earth only once a year, that date fell in early November. To help these wandering souls regain strength and encouragement, the Aztecs were preparing a feast with food and drink to their dead loved to take in life.

Fourth: The souls of the dead children had a special place Chichihualco (milk house) where there was a beautiful, leafy tree, the Chichiuahuitl (milk tree) which as its name says branches dripping milk, which they ate. Children who came here again to destroy the earth when the race who inhabited or fifth sun. They had the belief that they themselves reincarnated. So, once again, death life would be generated.

For the Nahua "each God chose his people and killed them with their specific powers." There were other gods who killed the elect and bring them to their own kingdoms. For example, death in a drunken state was a sign that Ometochtli (the main gods of pulque) had chosen the victim, and that the fate of the dead was the paradise of drunks. Another interesting case is that of Tlazoltéolt, goddess inspired adultery and taken to those who died executed for that offense. Tezcatlipoca also waiting.

ELEMENTS OF THE DEAD ALTAR AND ITS MEANING .
Each of the following elements contained in his own history, tradition, poetry and, above all, mysticism. Essentials to welcome the spirits at the Altar of the Dead and their meanings are:
Water: Represents the source of life, is offered to the spirits to mitigate or quench your thirst after your long journey and also to will strengthen your back. In some cultures symbolizes the purity of the soul. Is what gives life and energy for the road. In some places tend to put a pitcher and a glass, preferably clear glass so you can appreciate the content. Natural water appears as an offering in different cultures around the world since ancient times. Some people believe the soul to see her wet lips parched from the long journey from the afterlife. Salt: It is a purifying element, helps the body are not corrupt, as they travel back and forth for the next year.

Candles: The ancient Mexicans used pine sticks. Currently using the candle in its different forms: candles, candles or wax. The flame producing means "light", faith, hope. Serves as a guide, with its flickering flame so that the spirits can see better the way, get to their former homes and light return to their home. It is said that the candle represents the soul alone. They also represent their ascension of the spirit burning. If the candles or candlesticks are purple, is a sign of mourning, and if you put four of them cross represent the four cardinal points, so you can orient the soul to find his way and his house. In ancient times it was said that the light served to illuminate the journey that will make the dead in the desert would have to cross to reach their final destination. In places like Xochimilco is customary to light a candle for each person and is called by name when starting. Or put as many candles as are infants still dead family recalls.

and incense Copal: Copal was offered by indigenous peoples to their gods and the incense was not yet known, this arrived with the English. It is the element that enhances the prayer or praise. A fragrance that is a sign of reverence. Is said to be used to clean the place of evil spirits and so the soul can enter your home without any danger. Also smoke it symbolizes the passage from life to death. Some people still use incense or failing small stoves or laborers. They use cote I sliced \u200b\u200bcharcoal to give them pieces of copal and Ensom place.

flowers: They are welcome for the soul, the white flower represents the sky, the yellow flower, the land and the house of mourning. And the red of the "lion's paw", also called "cock" or "rooster comb" means specifically the expression of the blood of Christ and the Resurrection, as well as human and animal life. They are a symbol of festivity for its colors and scented trails. Decorating and flavoring place during the stay of the soul, which is believed to leave will leave happy. In some places the wallflower and the cloud can not miss as the color signifies purity and tenderness, and accompany the souls of children. Marigold flowers usually remember the soul of the deceased, since it is the traditional flower of the dead, its color is yellow or orange is said to represent the strength of sunlight and life. Comes from the Nahuatl cempoalxochitl which means "flower petals 20 or more", "twenty leaves" or "twenty flower". It is said the death anniversary and also symbolizes sadness.

Highway petals In many parts of the country are accustomed to ways of petals, usually with marigold flower without leaves, from the front door to the Altar that serve to guide the deceased in the cemetery to the offering and vice versa. Represents out on the road color and odor that trace the paths to the spirits, whose color on as the sun used to illuminate and guide the soul of the dead so that is not lost.

Bread: A symbol that serves as an offer fraternal. The church is presented as the "Body of Christ." Remember the departed soul and symbolizes a tradition. It is a bread that is made in different regions of the country especially for this holiday. The piece has a round shape to symbolize a grave, the nucleus, at the top represents the base of the skull, side trims, bones of the extremities, and is decorated with red sugar symbolizes the blood. In some places like Xochimilco is in the form of late and has a name. For the Altar the "Deceased" bread is made into small pieces and puts is that for them.

Portrait or photograph of the dead / a: The person to whom the tribute is dedicated and whose soul will visit us. It is a reminder of our loved ones. In some places it says it must be hidden and not visible, so that it can not be seen with a mirror, to understand that the loved one you can see but no longer exists.

religious images: the devotion of saints of both the deceased and the family. Placed to serve as a means of interaction between living and dead, and that the altar is synonymous with good social relations. In addition, symbolizing peace at home and the firm acceptance of sharing food.

The dish or favorite food: Good food is to delight the soul that we visit. With these foods to please the deceased is sharing the most liked and be agreeable to his good pleasure. The Altar is constantly present a trail of aromas, representing the banquet kitchen in honor of loved remembered. The chicken mole, chicken or turkey, is the favorite dish placed on the altar many indigenous people across the country. In some other places usually put one or several pots of food. Accompanied by a chiquihuite or tortilla. The dishes vary according to regions of the country where they're celebrating the holiday.
beverages such as chocolate, the porridge and coffee, are part of the traditional drinks that tend to make living in those days, especially chocolate either water or milk, thereby invites the dead to enjoy these beverages and more so if in life they also enjoyed the taste. Hispanic tradition says the guests were chocolate prepared with water used to bathe the deceased so that visitors are imbued with the essence of the deceased.

liquor and cigars: It's for living souls who have tasted the "Spirits" and / or cigarettes pleasant remember the major events during his lifetime. They function to quench the thirst of the dead and also give you the pleasure of taking a drink. Some people tend to favorite liquor bottle, a glass and serve others and leave it on the altar, depending on the drink that is served with a salt shaker, and a plate with lemon party.

Papel picado: It is an ornament to the altar that gives color and represents the joy of living. Many of his designs are handmade and they are stamped reasons of death. Some people put them as curtains, shirts and table cloths to decorate the walls near the altar and / or cover the table or altar levels. The colors used in these motifs have meaning: the color purple or dark pink is used in mourning. Purple is representative of Christian mourning. And the orange color of mourning Aztec. The confetti black on black geometric designs is referred to in the tlil Hispanic religion, place of blackness, and Mictlan, that is the site of the dead.

"Entierritos" or figures in the shape of a skeleton: past were much better known the "entierritos" which were representations of human figures whose heads were of chickpeas and black paper suit, mimicking the late and Trinidadian parents, who were those who were responsible for carrying the bodies of the poor people in the graveyard. It is very easy to find representations with skeletons in various ways, are very popular with a setting according to different professions and trades, some are truly droll. Are represented in these crafts from infants to seniors, all "skeletons." Both craft accompanying the ornament of the altar and give a humorous twist.

natural fruits and fresh fruits: These are the gift that nature gives us. They are usually seasonal fruits that vary according to regions. They are a way to enrich the enjoyment of souls who come to enjoy the "smell" of them. Because it is said through the aromas given off as other fruits as food they eat. In certain regions such as the Isthmus of Tehuantepec usually get four flags tucked into orange confetti. Oranges or fruit with flags mean freedom death brings. On the other hand when the fruit preserves or candy sweetened with the role of the "tongue" of the spirits and are a factor to increase your enjoyment.

Personal items of the dead / a: Some people like to put those objects that were favorites of the deceased or preferred, which is believed to will travel. And depending on your hobby or work you put into the bottom of the Altar those things dear to them. In some places it is customary to put on the top level clean clothes to welcome the spirits, for changes and to remove the dust of the road and are more comfortable during their stay with their families.

Levels

tables or base of the altar: it is very common that the Altar should be structured on several levels. That usually three. Its construction can be used tables of different sizes or even tables. At the top level to the center of the altar, it is customary to place a photograph of the deceased to the devoted Altar. At the intermediate level usually get food, treats and things that they loved the deceased. At the bottom, as well as firewood, coal, stone hearth or three canoes to be used as a fire, and water is placed a cross of ashes. With the advent of Christianity the English arrived, so that the altars or offerings suffer some changes as a forum to place religious images of saints, Christ, crosses and some fruits that do not exist in America. Within the Christian doctrine of the Altar three levels representing the three divine persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each level is covered with a cloth or openwork embroidery, china paper, plastic and also covered dead flowers of which form a carpet on which is deposited all the offering.

toys and candy: On the altar of the "Deceased" gets used to put toys, which in some places still are made of clay, so that these little souls have to play with and have more fun during the time that will accompany their alive.

cane arches: In some parts of the Republic, as here in some communities in Oaxaca, the altar is decorated mainly by an arc of reed or sugar cane covered with multicolored flowers cempazúchil, and supports the arch wire hanging the mandarins, oranges, limes and bananas. The number of arcs varies from two to four arches, this set is usually called cover or altarpiece. The bow speaks of desire, those living on earth, to join those already living in heaven, who will no longer die again.

"If you everywhere, in water and on land, air and holds me wildfire, and if you go everywhere with me in thought, in the breath of my breath and My blood confused, will not you, Death, in my life, water, fire, dust and wind? "(Xavier Villaurrutia," Tenth death "). ODH and thanatological
Aida Maria Castro Morales.