Dia De Los Muertos has it’s root in MesoAmerican culture, incorporating Spanish Catholic customs(associated with All Saint’s and All Soul’s Day) . The rich, celebratory traditions honor the planting cycles of the Earth and create a time when families can gather to embrace the”circle of life”. It is seen as a time to honor the departed as “they make their journey to be back with the living each year”.

The Ofrenda (altar) tradition starts as early as summer when money is set aside for offerings such as Marigolds and pan de Muertos. The Cempoalxochitl, or Marigolds, in deep gold tones,  grace altars and burial sites and marigold petals are strewn around altars from Oct. 28-Nov. 2 in ancient rituals that honor the spirit world.

The spirits return, enticed by the smells of cempoalxochitl and their favorite foods … Ofrenda welcome back the souls of departed loved ones by honoring them with items that invoke treasured memories. Praying, singing, dancing, laughing, eating and drinking ensues as families enjoy the spirit’s visit thoughout the night. Later, “food believed to be kissed by the departed is eaten and candles are blown out” … 

Ornate costumes abound as the living gather together at cemetaries and at homes around Ofrenda. Flowers are also integrated in costumery as the living emulate La Katrina, one of the Mexican popular names for death, and the marigold is her flor de muerto, the “death flower” that actually celebrates life. Lady Death is often depicted with a flower in her Victorian hat.

Here a designer has made head dresses out of flowers emulating the wide brimmed hat from more traditional La Katrinas. As the Dia De Los Muertos traditions cross cultures and adapt to changing  times, modern interpretations take hold. One of these is the wildly popular celebration held at Hollywood Forever, Los Angeles’s oldest memorial park.