Dog Heroes of Day of the Dead
Tara A. Spears
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.
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!