Nov 01, 2023
Day of the Dead 2023
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s hand-crafted paper automata Doodle celebrates Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, in Mexico. This holiday, celebrated from November 1st through November 2nd and is a time for families to honor loved ones who have passed. On this day each year, it’s said that the border between the spirit world and living world dissolves, allowing the souls of the dead to reunite with their families.
Día de los Muertos has indigenous roots dating back more than 3,000 years ago to pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations like the Aztec, Mayan, and Nahua. It was believed that after death, a person had to complete nine challenges to reach the final resting place of Chicunamictlán. Families would place altares (offerings) of food, water, tools, and other symbolic items to aid their loved ones’ journeys in the afterlife.
To celebrate, many Mexicans paint their faces with calaveras (skulls). Women wear colorful dresses or blouses and handmade flower crowns, while men dress in suits and hats. Families bring ofrendas such as pictures and personal items of the departed to altars adorned with marigolds. These bright orange flowers line the pathway back to the living and attract souls with their scent and vibrance. Feasts of tamales, pan de muerto, calaveras de azúcar, and other Mexican delicacies are also served throughout the country.
Día de los Muertos is a colorful and lively occasion for remembering and celebrating those who have passed on from this world. It’s an intimate dedication to the deceased, and an invaluable time for families to reunite with their loved ones.
Check out the behind-the-scenes process for
today’s Doodle artwork by Doodler, Hélene Leroux
Early Doodle Drafts
Where this Doodle appeared
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