From Pagan to Christian Traditions

Paper Summary:

The paper describes how, before the Spaniards arrived in North America, there were flourishing communities of Mayans and Aztecs, with a thriving tradition of sun worship. The paper examines how Halloween and the Day of the Dead share a common origin in the Christian commemoration of the dead on All Saints' and All Souls' Day. The paper further examines how Catholic tradition is partly based upon Celtic Pagan rituals.

From the Paper:

"On the second day, the celebration is directed toward the adult deceased. They are thanked for their protection, and respectfully asked to continue bringing prosperity and grace to the family. The family welcomes the souls of the deceased into their homes to visit. Small alters, called offrendas, are constructed and all kinds of lovely things decorate them, including tiny sugar favors made in animal shapes, happy skulls, skeletons, bouquets of flowers and family photographs."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Arellano, Luisa Esquiroz. "A Festival of Life: The Day of the Dead Celebrations in Mexico Are a Family Affair." Destination: Mexico. 2003.
• Bean, Kathy. "Dia de los Muertos: A Joyful Mexican Celebration." Day of the Dead. School Arts, 2005.
• Brandes, Stanley. "The Day of the Dead, Halloween and the Quest for Mexican National Identity." Journal of American Folklore, Vol. 11. 1998
• Rogers, Nicholas. Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night. London: Oxford University Press, 2003.
• Salvador, R. J. "What Do Mexicans Celebrate On The Day Of The Dead?" Death and Bereavement in the Americas. Death, Value and Meaning Series, Vol. II. Morgan, J. D. And P. Laungani (Eds.). New York: Baywood Publishing Co., 2003. 75-76.

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