Church observes holiday

Published 12:00 am Saturday, November 2, 2002

Marigolds, white roses, candy, bread, fruits, candles along with various photographs randomly placed adorned the altar.

Family

and friends brought "ofrendas" or offerings for their loved ones in a day

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of remembrance at the Queen of Angeles Parish.

It is a ritual that had been practiced for at least 3,000 years by the Mayan and Aztec cultures before Spanish conquistadors reached present Mexico.

The Day of the Dead or "El Dia de los Muertos," celebrated Nov. 1 and 2 is a tradition of honoring and remembering loved ones who have passed on and whose spirits return to be with family and friends.

Celebrated in Mexico, Central America and various parts of the mesa, the celebration varies depending on location.

"It is a three-day event for some, Oct. 31 through Nov. 2. The first day is for those who have been died tragically -- in accidents. The second day, is for the children, people bring toys and sweets and the third day is the actual day when they celebrate and pray for the adults," the Rev. Kurt Farrell, who conducted the mass, said.

Unlike the Spaniards who feared death and believed it to be the ultimate end, the Aztecs accepted it, celebrating and embracing it.

The holiday, which was originally celebrated on the ninth month of the Aztec Solar Calendar was moved by the Spanish to November to coincide with

All Saints and All Soul's Day and combine with Catholic theology. However many of the basic principals still remain today.

"It is great that we can still celebrate our traditions here," said Elvira Arriega from Michoacan, Mexico. Her husband Manuel explained that back in Mexico, they went to the cemetery and they would bring food, music and told stories, anecdotes of those who they has lost.

"We brought the things they liked and remember them," Manuel said.

At the Day of the Dead, All Souls Days Mass, a candle was lit by family member as a memorial in honor of those in their life who have died.

"It's a nostalgic celebration because we celebrate the memories of those who have gone," Elvira said.

Roxana Orellana can be reach at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto:roxana.orellana@austindailyherald.com