More than 3,000 years ago, ancient Mesoamerical cultures laid out favorite objects of the dearly departed to tempt their spirits back home. Many centuries later, Spaniards influenced indigenous traditions with Catholic practices. The modern blend of the two is widely celebrated today as Dia de los Muertos, The Day of the Dead.
Each year, on November 1 and 2, families decorate their homes and cemeteries with altars and ofrendas (offerings) to honor the spirits of departed family members. Celebrations have been adopted the world over. Mexico City, Oaxaca Pátzcuaro hold the most lavish ceremonies including massive public altars and offerings. In El Paso Texas, more than 50,000 people gather for a day’s-long festival and parade.
Remembrances are not limited to people. Pets who no longer pad among us have their own place at the altar. In fact, pets ushered in Dia de los Muertos on their own designated day: October 27. It is believed that, on this night, the spirits of pets return to visit the homes and loved ones they had in life.
Last Monday, mantles, memorial plaques, and gourdes cradling pets ashes were adorned with pet photos, favorite toys and collars, treats and a small water bowl. Sugar skulls, candles and marigolds were also placed to help guide the homeward spirits of animal companions. Across countries and cultures, the names of pets were spoken and fond memories shared.
Día de las Mascotas y los Animales Difuntos (Day of the Dead for Animals) began in 2019. Funeral Pet, a pet funeral service company, proposed the idea in response to growing sentiments that pets are, indeed, family, and that their deaths echo across the living generations. The addition of a specific day to honor pets speaks to the special role of pets in our lives as unconditional givers and receivers of love. It is serves as a dedicated time for grieving and remembrance.
The relatively new tradition has its roots in Aztec culture which believed that the afterlife (Mictlán) was reached after an arduous journey through nine underworlds. The Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican hairless dog) was believed to ferry souls across a large, treacherous river toward their final resting place.
November 3 was originally proposed to tag onto the dates of remembrance for humans. However, animal rights organizations in Mexico lobbied for a date change to October 27. The earlier observance allows pets to be the first to visit their living families and keeps their arrival distinct from visiting human souls. It also prepares surviving family for the arrival of human spirits some of whom may have died tragically or whose graves have been forgotten. This reasoning for the date change resonated widely with families and on social media.
In the minds and hearts of its observers, Day of the Dead for Pets sets an enticing lure for departed pets. With loving remembrances, our pets may remain close the year round.