Cultural Lessons in Animation: Understanding Day of Dead

Day of the Dead is a colorful Mexican holiday that gracefully blends ancient traditions with modern activities. Having roots in Mesoamerican culture, particularly among the Aztecs, this festival honors and remembers loved ones who have passed away. During this holiday families gather to create colorful altars (ofrendas), share favorite foods, and recount the past memories of the person who passed away, so they can endure the bonds that connect them to the past. Día de los Muertos serves as a powerful reminder that death is not an end, but a continuation of love and memory. Although death and remembrance are significant in both Halloween and Day of the Dead, Halloween is about playfully enjoying spookiness, whereas Day of the Dead is about honoring the ancestors with love.

1. Historical Origins

Ancient Origins

Aztecs believed that death was a transition to another realm, where the deceased could interact with the living. They honored their ancestors using skulls and skeletons in their rituals and offerings. These were practiced to celebrate life and death to show the importance of remembering and honoring those who had passed.

Spanish Colonization

When the Spanish colonizers arrived in the 16th century, many indigenous practices were suppressed or altered. However, the fusion of Catholic traditions with native customs led to the development of the Day of the Dead as we know it today. This day is honored on the first and second of November every year, along with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Modern Celebration

Today, Día de los Muertos is celebrated with vibrant colored altars (ofrendas) with photographs, favorite food, and personal items of the deceased. Families come and visit gravesites, spend time, and share stories of their loved ones. This holiday is filled with music, dancing, and traditional meals like pan de muerto, a special bread shaped like skulls.

In recent years, the Day of the Dead has received international popularity, and it is now celebrated not just in Mexico but in different regions of the world. UNESCO even announced it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008, highlighting its significance and cultural importance.

2. Animated Representations

There are many animated movies on the idea of the Day of the Dead, some of them are:

· Coco (2017): It is one of the popular animated films with the Day of the Dead theme. This Pixar film is about a boy named Miguel who dreams of becoming a musician, one day he accidentally finds himself in a land of dead on the day of the dead where he finds his family history.

· The Book of Life (2014): this film tells the story of Manolo, a young man caught between meeting the expectations of his family and following his own heart. It features stunning visuals inspired by Mexican folk art and celebrates love, tradition, and the afterlife.

· Vivo (2021): This film is not specifically about Día de los Muertos, this animated musical features vibrant Latin culture and music, celebrating life and family connections.

· Maya and the Three (2021): This animated miniseries is inspired by Mesoamerican mythology and incorporates themes of death and remembrance, showcasing rich cultural elements that resonate with the spirit of Día de los Muertos.

These animated movies not only entertain but also inspire and educate us on the culture, the importance of family, and the idea that remembering our ancestors keeps their spirits alive

3. Lessons from Animated Films

Animations like The Book of Life and Coco remind us of the universal truth that life and death are irreplaceable parts of the journey and the memories of loved ones are eternal. These movies teach us that the memories and relations we create in our lives do not come to an end with death but are remembered.

Watching these films reminds us that, celebrating the past helps us to appreciate the present and face the future. As Día de los Muertos is brought to life by animation, in addition to just a cultural celebration it gives a lesson in love, remembrance, and the cycle of life.

We at Prayan Animation Studio, while respecting the various traditions and cultures from all over the world, take our time to express our gratitude to the world for the rich, diverse traditions. As a community, these traditions not only encourage harmony among the living but often observe services for remembering those who have passed on.