We become aware of the joy of a tradition only when it is missing. For those who have eaten tortillas all their life, it is impossible to imagine how good a freshly made tortilla with salt might taste after arriving in Timbuktu, after one year of not seeing a tortilla, not even a photograph. But traditions are second nature, and how we like nature! Also, to think of missing food, sleep, or water illustrates the point of how much we enjoy something that we have regularly. In any case, the relationship between nature and custom is for all practical purposes the most intimate; the way we live naturally is influenced by our tradition. For example, if our dietary needs form part of the biological memory of our species, the way we meet those needs forms part of the ethnic memory of our people.
It is not unreasonable to state that the relationship between the living and those who are dying is an important question in every society. Even though there is the position that believes there is nothing after death (not a new idea, consider the Sadducees in the New Testament times); although the modern world sometimes invites us to think that it could be that way, it seems to be natural that everywhere there are those that believe that those who die are not dead. Even in countries where they officially reject the idea of "another life", they recall their heroes with statues, mausoleums, and books; in one way or another they remain in the minds of those who remain. Furthermore, anyone who has lived long enough has found himself one day conversing with some friend, relative or acquaintance who has died (like the one who, upon the death of his psychoanalyst, García, imagined himself lying on the couch explaining to García how he felt about the death of García).
This idea of dealing with the dead in some way can be studied in all parts of the world; and to mention it brings to mind the account of Grazyna Kubica about Polonia in the 19th Century:
"There has existed a universal belief that in the eve of the dead they came back to earth, went to their old homes and at midnight they went to the church where a dead priest administered the mass. So, the cemeteries were all fixed up, a light was put on the tombs, and all was decorated with flowers and artificial garlands. Beggars were given food and money. Women dressed in black. A solemn and ceremonial atmosphere prevailed. In some homes lights were kept on all night. They placed food on the table, left the doors open all night, and the residents of the house went to bed early so as to not disturb the souls who returned."
It is a fact that our people have forged ways to live in relation with the dead that have elements in common all over the face of the earth, and elements very much of their own. The result of course, is very unique. The celebration of the dead in Mexico has roots in ancient Celtic traditions celebrated in the eve of All Saints day at the beginning of the year and in independent beliefs about life beyond; all this blended with the Catholic church and its doctrine. Being an authentic tradition, its commemoration is both dynamic and linked to tradition. Today, due to the transformation of the society, not to mention the influence of the United States, define the celebration. For those who have come to love a tradition, it becomes difficult to stay faithful. But there is no reason to lose hope. We will only achieve the preservation of our traditions to the degree we enjoy them as children. A home altar for the dead with all its magic related to the boundary between life and death can be an enchanting custom. There is not just one way to set it up. Like the manger scene there are regional and local variations. You can start with the help of a table or small cabinet against a wall, preferably near the front door, a table cloth on the table and a wall decorated with tissue paper cut outs contitute the basic arrangement. Representations of saints or ancestors (saints by definition) are important. You should add some candles on each side along with various containers with flowers. These, which can be purchased, yellow, purple, red, are beautiful and not expensive; but a pleasant, personal fragrance is achieved when you go to the fields yourself and cut from the abundant wild flowers of the season. Along with the offering of light, one must put out a container of incense or copal. Finally, the bread, tamales, cigarretes, beer, tequila, rum, or cognac, according to how we remember or imagine the tastes of our dead; add the proverbial sugar skulls and we are ready to receive them. They will appreciate it as much as we will appreciate the offerings of our descendants when 20, 50 or 80 years from now we return as the deceased to amble through the places of our loved ones.
Leyendas de México | AZ Republic | Events in Arizona | Timeline | Palomar Web Site | Mexico Connect Web Site | Altar to Selena | José Guadalupe Posada |