Day Of The Dead Ritual Serenity Summary

In this week’s reading, “Day of the Dead Ritual Serenity” by Margarita Orellana illustrates the many cultural elements and traditions different indigenous regions of Mexico celebrate the Day of the Dead. The reading gives insight in the variety of forms the ritual is practiced and how many indigenous populations utilize various forms of Aztec mythology to commemorate the dead. The reading illustrates the various feasts and dances that are practice to honor the dead. Moreover, it explains how many of the indigenous rituals were practiced often throughout the Aztec’s daily life before the Spanish invasion. Due to colonialism, the Spanish invasion caused a change in some of the indigenous customs of honoring the dead throughout life to celebrating
the dead in a couple days of every year. However, this change still did not stop the people of Mexico to preserve their heritage and continue practicing the Day of the Dead. Therefore, the reading emphasizes the unique multiple traditions people of Mexico honor their dead.
The Day of the Dead ritual consists of many levels of depth and symbolic meaning in honoring the dead. Therefore, it is interesting to acknowledge that many region celebrate the Day of the Dead differently through their offerings, dances, and altars. The key concepts in the reading were how many customs have stories or legends explaining why they celebrate the dead. For example, one of the stories explained how a child didn’t take the offering seriously, but he was later visited by the dead. This caused the child to believe and take the practice seriously. This stood out to me because it is a form of preserving a practice through legends and stories. It is a way for children to understand the need to celebrate the dead. Therefore, it is interesting to know that rituals are maintained through stories.
This reading is important because it explains and illustrates how the rural areas in Mexico honor their dead. Many areas preserve their history through their unique celebrations and traditions. Thus, this reading grasps the different depths of the Day of the Dead ritual holds.