Understanding Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

When I was a kid, my understanding of Dia de los Muertos was very slim. All I saw were people dressed up like skeletons and fancy clothes to recognize those kids and adults who has passed away. Now that I'm a little bit older, I see that this is something more than just a remeberance day for the deceased.

The origins of Dia de los Muertos stem from prehispanic Mexico. The ancestors were a regular part of the community and were well respected. The living had the ability to speak to the deceased ancestors and obeyed the guidance of a particular ancestor. The offering of human sacrifices was believed to help sustain the universe. After death, each soul was guided by a dog through several steps in order to arrive at Mictlán, the place of the dead.

Mictlán had several different areas to accommodate the dead, depending on how they died. These areas were for the following people: babies, women who had died while giving birth, warriors, victims of drowning, etc.

The dead would return to visit their family members and friends in order to help them, give them counsel, and to sometimes to rebuke them.

The Spaniards came around and change day to fit a more Catholic perspective.

It needs to be known that the origin of Dia de los Muertos has absolutely nothing to do with the death, resurrection, and/or life of Jesus Christ. I understand that we are to remember those you have passed away, but to pray to the dead and create idols is where the line has to be drawn.


A simple look into the scriptures will show that we are to pray and receive guidance from Jesus Christ and no one else.

1 Timothy 2:5-6
"For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus!"

Romans 6:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord!"

We should not put our hope & trust in deceased ancestors but in the love and reality of Christ's life, death, & resurrection. He rose from the dead and defeated death. His shed blood can cleanse us of ALL sin. Forget all your arguments, repent and put your trust in Jesus Christ, and be saved from God's wrath. Read & understand the scriptures, He will never let you down!

--Armando
armando@csulb.net