Dog Heroes of Day of the Dead
Tara A. Spears
The celebration of the Mexican Day of the Dead traces its roots back more than 3,000 years. It’s a festival rich in symbolism, ritual and folklore. Amongst its most prominent icons are the “calaveras,” or skulls, and the elegant Catrina, a figure of a beautifully dressed female skeleton often sporting a wide-brimmed hat. Another element of the holiday is the use of “papel picado,” made by cutting intricate designs into sheets of paper that flutter in the breeze. Bright orange marigolds are everywhere, as their scent lures the dead back to the world of the living. The remembrance day is not just for people- dogs are featured in the altars, too.
The essential element of a Day of the Dead observance is the “ofrenda,” or altar. These can be created for any beloved family members, including pets, whose souls are welcomed back to join their families on Día de Muertos. While the presentations of an ofrenda are as unique as the pups and persons for whom they stand, there are particular elements that are fundamental to the design of an altar of the dead.
In addition to being honored with an altar, canines are believed to play a special role in the afterlife. Xoloitzcuintli, also known as Xolos or Mexican Hairless Dogs, are revered as spirit guides to the kingdom of the dead. Dogs are also well represented in the decor and pageantry of the festival. Sugar skulls in the shape of dogs, canine artwork and even costumed pooches are common sights on Day of the Dead. Alebrijes (paper mache animals on floats) are also often made to resemble our furry friends.
Itzcuintli, meaning ‘dog’, is the day in the Aztec calendar associated with the god Mictlantecuhtli. Mictlantecuhtli is the god of death and ruler over the lowest underworld, associated with funerals, wakes and remembrance. Itzxuintli is also associated with spiders, owls and bats. Tradition says that the izcuintle puppy is the one that helps souls cross the flowing Chiconauhuapan River, which is the last step to reach the Mictlán/heaven, therefore Itzxuintli is a hero.
According to historian Rhys the Itzcuintli is represented by a colorful glyph of a dog’s head with its teeth bared and tongue protruding. In Mesoamerican mythology and folklore, dogs were highly revered and were strongly associated with the dead.
It was believed that dogs acted as psychopomps, carrying the souls of the dead across a large body of water in the afterlife. Facts that contribute to this assessment are the archeological discovery of dog remains in the ancient Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacaun. At this site fourteen human bodies were found in a cave along with the bodies of three dogs. It’s believed that the dogs were buried with the dead to guide them on their journey to the underworld. Besides the Aztec reverence for dogs, images of Itzcuintli often appeared in Maya pottery from as early as the Pre-classic Period, depicted in underworld scenes. Note the skeleton dog in this rememberence altar.
For many people that have four legged friends as part of their family, it is devastating when the animal dies. This is a lovely way to honor and communicate with the departed fur-baby. There are those animal lovers that believe a dog goes to over the rainbow when it passes. Dia de Muertos is another way to recognize the friendship- create a home altar and make a donation to the local animal rescue organizations in honor. To donate, message Linda Chimes (facebook). “Our next free spay and neuter clinic will take place in Rincon de Guayabitos on Monday. November 28 to Thursday, December 1, 2022. Please help us by donating as well as sharing with your friends.” What better way to show your love for your departed fur baby than to help other Jaltemba Bay dogs!
