Shaylee Navarro’s recent story could have, and should have given credit to the Indigenous peoples. Namely, the Aztecs, for the origin of Day of the Dead. Rather than just simply attributing it to Mexican roots.
According to the History Cooperative, The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, originated in ancient Mesoamerican cultures and the festivities that honored the Aztec god Mictlantecuthli. These festivities took place during the whole ninth month of the Aztec calendar.
After colonization, the Day of the Dead was shortened to two days: Nov. 1, known as Día de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels), which is dedicated to deceased children. The day after, Nov. 2, is known as Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), honoring deceased adults.
In many parts of Mexico, it is also known as Dia de los Fieles Difuntos (Day of the Faithfully Departed)
So Americans have no obligation to refer to it as Dia de Los Muertos. If they wish to give proper credit for this beautiful cultural event they could refer to it as the Day of Mictlantecuthli.
Isabel Quilantan, South Salt Lake
