Although we have attached this day with Halloween in our guide, it actually is not a variant of Halloween at all! Day of the Dead is a time to celebrate and honor loved ones. The colors associated with Dia de Los Muertos are bright and cheerful because that's what it is, a time of happy and joy!
As always, this guide is not a concise guide. This guide is to be used for fun and education during this celebration.
Skulls
Skulls are greatly associated with Dia de Los Muertos. They take many forms. Something often associated with Dia de Los Muertos and skulls is sugar skulls. These skulls, or "calaveras", are ornately decorated.
The Ofrenda
The ofrenda is the offering dedicated to the person or persons being honored. On the ofrenda is a collection of photos and personal items of loved ones who passed. With the ofrenda are food offerings as well (preferably food that the loved ones favored).
Flor de Muerto
Marigolds are believed to be the pathways that guide spirits to their offerings. Because of the flowers bright colors and lingering scent, the spirits are able to return to their loved ones for the celebration.
Food
Pan de muerto (bread of dead) is a sweet bread specially baked for Dia de Los Muertos, often bun or dome shaped. Favorite food of the deceased are also important during this day.
"La Llorona: Looking at a Ghost Story for Dia de Muertos and Halloween" by Folklife Today
These coloring pages above were retrieved from dayofthedead.holiday.
The coloring page above was retrieved from Crayola.com.
