The “Day of the Dead” might seem similar to Halloween in many ways, but it’s a very different type of holiday with its own symbology, rituals, and traditions. Day of the Dead is one very colorful celebration that honors death and those who have passed. The Day of the Dead is not synonymous with Halloween, though it does shortly follow All Hallows' Eve. Here, we’ll go over the most popular Day of the Dead symbols and colors, and let you know what it all means. During Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, October 31 through November 2, families gather together to remember and honor their deceased loved ones. A mixture of Aztec and European symbolism infuse the meaning of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) face painting designs. The colors used in painting the faces of people celebrating the Day of the Dead or the tattoos representing this day also have meaning. 6 Day of the Dead Symbols and Their Meaning. The meaning behind the symbols of the Day of the Dead. The popular image of a woman wearing skull-like make up – also called – comes from Mexican tradition and more specifically, as the name points out, from the Day of the Dead… Alcohol. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, honors the legacy of those who have died. The most common design is to paint the face to resemble a skull. This represents the generosity of the host and a gift from the earth. A Religious Homage. Celebrated primarily in Mexico and Latin American countries, the holiday takes place on … It is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November, but this tradition dates all the way back to 1630s. Bread. While the holiday originated in Mexico, it is celebrated all over Latin America with colorful calaveras (skulls) and calacas (skeletons). Days before the altar set up, people cook traditional dishes such as tamales so the dead can enjoy the smells. A decorated altar that contains a series of items and objects honoring the spirits of the Day of the Dead. The celebrations of the Day of the Dead include a wide spectrum of religious, historical and spiritual aspects which are identical parts of the Mexican culture. The true reason for the unisex appeal, however, comes from the meaning behind the ink. Some altars have alcohol, sometimes presented as small jars with tequila, others with beer, usually with the drink that the dead person used to enjoy. The Day of the Dead – November 2 nd . The tradition is a mixture of Catholic beliefs with the religions of indigenous Mexican people. Day of the Dead altars are made as a way of remembering and honoring deceased friends and family. Learn how the Day of the Dead started and the traditions that make it unique. Specific images have meaning as well and below are some of meanings behind these images and colors. 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