What Is the Meaning Behind Day of the Dead Symbolism

Once a celebration largely unknown outside of Mexico, Día de los Muertoshas gone mainstream in the United States.

Today the holiday's symbols - especially ornate sugar skull designs - adorn everything from U.S. postage stamps to classic Vans sneakers. Even Ken and Barbie can be seen sporting traditional calaca (skeleton) costumes and Target sells merchandise for the day.

"Movies like [Pixar's 2017] Coco made people more familiar with the holiday, but they aren't as familiar with the meaning behind the rituals and the importance of Día de los Muertosin our culture," said Axel Caballero, a 2023 Rutgers-New Brunswick graduate and past president of the Mexican-American Student Association (MASA).

In honor of the holiday, MASA is partnering with the Center for Latino Arts and Culture at Rutgers-New Brunswick (CLAC) to host a Día de los Muertoscelebration on Monday (Nov. 4).

"I want students of both Mexican and non-Mexican descent to learn and have the opportunity to engage with our culture," said Caballero. "We want to stretch it to as many interested cultures as possible - not just to learn about the holiday, but to enjoy and partake in our traditions."

Día de los Muertos,or Day of the Dead, celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2, draws on pre-Hispanic Mexican and Spanish Roman Catholic traditions intended to facilitate the return of departed souls to the Earth.

The holiday revolves around ritual preparations by family to visit the graves of loved ones, the preparation of a home or communityofrenda, or altar, and the laying of marigold flower petals and other handicrafts, said Carlos Fernandez, director of CLAC.

Rutgers-New Brunswick's event kicks off Monday (Nov. 4) with events sponsored by MASA and CLAC, including food and crafts from 12-5 p.m. and an evening celebration at 8 p.m. at CLAC's offices, 172 College Ave., New Brunswick.