DAY OF THE DEAD 1

DAY OF THE DEAD

All Souls' Day is an annual commemoration celebrated on November 2 by some Christian churches (Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican). In it, all the faithful departed who have departed for eternity are honored and remembered. This day different liturgical acts are performed asking for the eternal rest of souls.

History of the Day of the Dead

The date was established in the year 998 AD by the Christian monk Saint Odilon of France, with the purpose of establishing a classic day in memory of the deceased. Although the church has had the custom of commending the soul of those who have died, there was no clear date for the commemoration. This tradition spread throughout the Christian world until it became an annual festival. In several countries, it is decreed a holiday that is usually moved to the weekend closest to November 2.

Purgatory

This is a place of transit where, according to Christian beliefs, the souls of the deceased who must atone for their sins remain there until they are completely purified and then go to heaven. Purgatory is considered as a burning place similar to hell, so souls live in continuous torment and pain. The permanence time of a soul will depend on the amount of sins that must be purified, but in the end every soul will end up going to heaven. For this reason the faithful on earth make prayers for the deceased who suffer in purgatory so that their torments end more quickly. According to the church, the prayer of a person on earth for a loved one who has passed away, or for all the faithful departed, helps to reduce the time spent in purgatory.

All Souls Day Celebration

In the Christian world, this date is commemorated with deep respect and reflection. Cemeteries remain open so family and friends can visit loved ones who have departed this world. It is customary to bring offerings such as flowers or ribbons to the graves, prayers are made and honors are given. A Eucharist is usually celebrated in memory of all the dead asking for their eternal rest.

Celebration of the Day of the Dead in Mexico

In Mexico, the celebration has a deeper meaning because an ancestral tradition of indigenous peoples is preserved. The celebration of the Day of the Dead in Mexico has been declared a Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity due to its symbolism, customs and antiquity. It is celebrated during November 1 and 2, however, each state of the country welcomes it differently, this makes it characterized by its multiplicity throughout the territory.

Días Festivos en el Mundo