From the beginning of time, man has felt the need to explain the
mystery of life and death, and has asked himself questions like "Where
did I come from?", "Why does life end?", "Is there life after death? If
so, what kind of life?", "Is there something I can do on earth so I can
enjoy life after death?" Many civilizations and cultures have created
rituals to try and give meaning to human existence.
More than 500 years ago, when the Spanish Conquistadors landed in Mexico, they came across natives embracing a ceremony that seemed to mock death. The indigenous people had been practicing this ceremony for at least 3,000 years; and the ceremony was one that the Spaniards would try unsuccessfully to abolish. This ancient ceremony continues today in Mexico and in certain parts of the southwest; and is known as Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
More than 500 years ago, when the Spanish Conquistadors landed in Mexico, they came across natives embracing a ceremony that seemed to mock death. The indigenous people had been practicing this ceremony for at least 3,000 years; and the ceremony was one that the Spaniards would try unsuccessfully to abolish. This ancient ceremony continues today in Mexico and in certain parts of the southwest; and is known as Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
