Blogs- in 2 weeks!

I have lots of exciting things to talk about, because I just got back from Mexico City and I'm leaving Monday for a 2 week trip with other exchange students, but I don't have time right now! I barely had time to get back, unpack, and pack a new suitcase! I promise, though, that in December there will be at least 2 blog posts regarding my adventures in Mexico!

P.S. If you want to comment, but don't know how, just e-mail me at wagner.tay@gmail.com
P.P.S. I don't know how to comment on other blogs, so I won't judge you :)

Dia de Muertos

This year I celebrated my very first “Día de Muertos”, or “Day of the Dead”. I had heard of Day of the Dead festivities throughout my four years of Spanish, but never having taken part in the celebration, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Let’s start with a little history: Day of the Dead is actually TWO days, November 1^st and November 2^nd, which for all the Catholics happens to be All Saints Day and All Souls Day. The first day is dedicated to children, the second to everyone else. This is of course not coincidental.  Day of the Dead originated in Mexico way before the Spanish arrived. The exact date is unknown but it has been speculated that the idea originated with the Olmecs, possibly as long as 3000 years ago. This concept was passed to other cultures such as the Toltecs, Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec and Aztecs. Zapotec and Mixtec influence are strong in Oaxaca. The Aztec celebration was held during the Aztec month of Miccailhuitontli, presided over by the goddess Mictecacihuatl Lady of the Dead, and dedicated to children and the dead. Following the Spanish conquest of Mexico during the 16th century, there was a strong effort to convert the native population to Catholicism. There was a good deal of reluctance on the part of the indigenous people which resulted in a blending of old customs with the new religion.

                One of the traditions is setting up altars in homes in honor of their deceased relatives and loved ones. A Day of the Dead altar includes fruit, candles, flowers, water, and favorite beverages and foods of the deceased. I helped with my family’s altar, which we decorated with colored papers, before adding the offerings. Our altar had fruit, flowers, coffee, tequila, a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, and candles. I personally am a big fan of decorating for any holiday, so I really enjoyed it. I also had the opportunity to decorate an altar with the women Rotarians in another Rotarians house. This altar was much bigger with three levels. My very creative cousin, Tony, came with and was immediately chosen to be in charge of the decorating. This altar included bread and sugar skulls, along with all the other typical elements.

My altar!

Rotary's Altar

On November 1^st, our Rotary club had a dinner to celebrate. We were told to dress up, so I dressed up as a “catrina” or skeleton, wearing traditional clothes. This ensemble is frequently seen on TV in the days leading up to Day of the Dead. What do you think? We ate tamales, Rotarians sang Karaoke and told jokes, and I ended up falling asleep in the car. With my face painted as a skeleton, my parents said my sleeping face was quite frightening at 3 in the morning, when we finally left the party.

  

                On November 2^nd, my family took me with them to visit the cemeteries where their relatives are buried. The cemeteries were very different from any I’ve ever seen, and really full. We left flowers on the graves, and continued on to two more cemeteries to do the same. Although my family didn’t, there were many people eating lunch on their relatives’ graves. This is not seen as disrespectful at all, in fact it’s a way to remember and share the celebration with their loved ones.

                The traditions of Day of the Dead create an entirely different outlook on death for those who partake in the holiday. Death is not seen as something scary and unknown, it is just a part of life. Although I spent the day walking through cemeteries, I did not really feel sad. It was nice to honor the graves, even if it is just one day a year. This was a very important part of my exchange experience because I actually took part in an important cultural holiday. I was able to integrate into their traditions as well as share some of my own culture.