November 1 Little Angels Remembered Tara A. Spears
The day of the dead is one of the most representative festivities of Mexican culture, declared by UNESCO to be an “intangible cultural heritage.” This celebration takes place on November 1 (departed children/little angels) and November 2 (remembering adults) each year. While the practice of celebrating death may seem strange or eccentric to some, for many Mexican people it is the greatest act of love that you can show to your departed loved ones.
While it is always sad to lose a loved one, losing a child is doubly heartbreaking. It is the custom in coastal Nayarit to ignite fireworks every hour for 12 straight hours in order to notify the angels that a new soul is coming. In addition, the family creates an altar the week before November 1 in honor of the departed infant or child.
In most Mexican homes of indigenous heritage and among mestizo families, on October 31 the offering is dedicated to children or “little angels”. It is believed that little angel’s souls arrive on the first of November to feed on the food that their parents have prepared for them. Usually treats and toys are also lovingly placed in an effort to entice the child to stay longer.
Unlike the altars for adults, those for departed children will have bland food without chili. It is essential that the flowers and the candles are white as this color symbolizes the purity of the innocent deceased. The typical sweets on the altar will be in the shape of animals and sugar skulls.
In other places, altars are adorned with small clay toys painted in cheerful colors; so when the souls of the deceased “little ones” arrive they will be able to play as they did in life.
All altars and graves for children will have miniature breads. The placing of sweet breads is because it is known that children love it, as well as tortillas, fruit and pumpkin candy. It is so powerful to view a grave with baby bottle and rattle.
It is characteristic that all the elements that compose the altar of the young “angelitos” are on a smaller scale. Care must be taken to avoid objects belonging on the altar of an adult in order to not anger the little children or make them sad because then the child will not eat what was offered or stay to visit.
However, due to the covid-19 pandemic, this year on November 1 and 2 the holiday will be very different. The cemeteries (pantheons) will remain closed. As of the end of October the normal sales of DOD flowers is 50% lower than usual which reflects the stagnant economy.
The vibrant tradition of the Day of the Dead observation is a way to remember departed relatives and friends, but most importantly, it is to celebrate life.