More than 500 years ago, when the Spanish Conquistadores arrived in Mexico, they were surprised to see the natives mocking death. The Aztecs and many other pre-Hispanic civilizations collected skulls and used them during their religious rituals, known today as el Dia de los Muertos.

Unlike the Spaniards who viewed death as the end of life, the natives considered it as the beginning of a new stage in life. To the natives, the skulls symbolized death and rebirth. In an effort to make the ritual more Christian, the Spaniards moved it to coincide with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 1 and 2).

Today people consider el Dia de los Muertos a joyous time to remember their loved ones who have died. Not only is el Dia de los Muertos celebrated in Mexico, it is also celebrated by immigrants and their descendants in the United States. Dalia VanSickle of George West built a Dia de los Muertos altar in her home to pray for and remember family members and friends who have died. The altar has flores de muerto (paper marigold flowers) with ofrendas (offerings) dedicated to the dead. VanSickle’s altar holds a cross and a sacred heart. “The cross represents God’s infinite love and the sagrado corazon is to honor my ancestors,” said VanSicke. There are two female figurines with faces of calveras (skulls): one is called Doña Ofelia de Mérida and the other La Monja Sara de Michoacán. VanSicke said, “They represent all aspects of mankind – what we are and what we can become. We are sinners and need to recognize our sin and repent of it. Thus, Miss Ofelia and the nun, Sister Sara.”

Additionally, VanSickle’s altar holds dozens of silver milagros (charms) which are offered to a favorite saint as a reminder of her family’s particular needs. In Spanish, milagro literally means miracle. At the center of the altar sits a circular loaf of bread called pan de muerto (bread of the dead). “The bread is an offering for deceased relatives and friends,” VanSickle said. “And the candles represent illumination to open our hearts and minds. The various skulls symbolize the dead playfully mimicking the living and to remind us that death eventually comes to all.”