💀One of Mexico's oldest festivities that is still celebrated nowadays, with great joy, is the celebration of the Day of the Dead, on November 1st (for the lost kids) & 2nd (for the lost adults) The tradition has its origins since Pre-Columbian times, when various Mesoamerican groups had the custom of burying the dead, along with objects that would be "useful" in the afterlife: food, clothes, jewelry, weapons, among others. During the Colonial period, this custom remained relatively hidden by indigenous and mestizo people, who started including Catholic religious' elements in their offerings, such as images of saints, virgins and crosses. Also, offerings were no longer placed within tombs, but inside people's homes, on a table and on the floor, therefore the name of Altars to the Dead. The altar symbolizes the levels of the Sky, the Earth and the Underworld (or Land of the Dead). On each level, traditional elements are placed, in order to invite (and entice) loved ones who have passed away, to visit the living and "enjoy life", once again: - Sky: Candles, whose light illuminates the way for the soul - Earth: Food & drink, most enjoyed by the person when alive. Most of the food is sweet, such as sugar skulls, chocolate, amaranth, crystalized fruits, bread, pumpkin in syrup; beverage is generally alcohol. Other important elements in this level are salt and water to purify the soul and quench thirst, respectively. - Underworld: Cempasúchil flowers (marigolds) and copal incense, whose characteristic aromas will help loved ones reach the offering placed to honor their life. Other elements such as the person's photograph, personal belongings (like glasses, cigarettes, books, toys -if the departed was a child, etc.), and colored papers are also placed on the altar, to make the "visit" more joyful. The Day of the Dead is celebrated all over Mexico, and will vary in each region, but what is common to all is the purpose of sharing the joy of life and honoring the life of loved ones who are no longer with us! #diadelosmuertos #traditions#saltlakecity #utah #801 #slc #saltlake #801catering #saltlakecity #lehi #goutes #uofu #byu #nowyouknow https://www.instagram.com/p/CVx3vDbpYMN/?utm_medium=tumblr