Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, acknowledges the symbiotic relationship between life and death. All Saints’ Day is dedicated to the saints of the church, who are in heaven. All Souls’ Day is set aside for those who have died, but have yet to attain heaven. All three are marked on Nov. 1 and 2.
What is Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead?
The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday, also marked in some areas of the United States, held on Nov. 1 and 2. During those two days, the spirits are believed to return home and spend time with their relatives.
To welcome them, families build altars, or ofrendas, in their honor. These altars often include yellow marigolds, candles, photos of the deceased, cut tissue-paper designs, as well as food and beverages offerings, though these can vary from culture to culture.
Skulls, or calaveras, are often used as decorations. Though these can be made of papier-mâché, clay, wood, metal, cut-out tissue paper, they are often made of sugar decorated with colored icing, flowers, or metallic colored foils.
Day of the Dead:‘This is the one chance … to guide them back’
When is the Day of the Dead 2024?
This year, the holiday is marked on Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2.
Do you say ‘Happy Dia de los Muertos?’ Day of the Dead greetings
Despite its cheerful appearance, Dia de los Muertos is a somber holiday to honor those who have passed on. Therefore, it’s considered a faux pas to wish someone “Feliz Dia de los Muertos,” or “Happy Day of the Dead,” according to a blog post from Loco Gringo.
Similarities and differences between Halloween and Dia de los Muertos
Both holidays are within days of each other, but they are not the same.
While both may be considered “spooky,” Halloween revolves around darkness, death, ghosts, witches, candy, and costumes. On the other hand, Day of the Dead is explicitly about the afterlife and remembrance.
What is All Saints’ Day?
All Saints’ Day is a holy day of the Catholic Church marked annually on Nov. 1. The day is dedicated to the saints of the church—all those who have attained heaven.
All Saints’ Day is traced to Pope Boniface IV, who consecrated the Pantheon at Rome to the Virgin Mary and all the Martyrs in 609 AD. Boniface IV also established All Souls’ Day, which follows All Saints’ Day.
The Catholic Church marks the day with a Mass. All Saints’ Day is also commemorated by the Eastern Orthodox Church as well as some protestant churches, such as Lutheran and Anglican denominations.
What is All Souls’ Day?
All Souls’ Day is a holy day set aside for honoring the dead, primarily celebrated in the Catholic Church.
According to Catholic belief, the soul of a person who dies can go to one of three places, heaven, hell or purgatory. Purgatory is believed to be a place where souls can be cleansed and perfected before they enter into heaven. Catholics celebrate All Souls’ Day, praying for souls in purgatory to be purified.