Dia de los Muertos

What does "Dia de los Muertos" translate to in English?

• Halloween

• Day of the Dead

• All Souls Day

• Skeleton Day

Answer explanation

Dia de los Muertos translates to “Day of the Dead.” This holiday is celebrated close to Halloween and is sometimes associated with All Souls Day. Although skeletons are a common theme used in the celebrations of Dia de los Muertos, the holiday is not named after them.

When is Dia de los Muertos celebrated?

• October 30th

• October 31st

• October 31st - November 2nd

• November 1st - November 7th

Answer explanation

"According to tradition, the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31 and the spirits of children can rejoin their families for 24 hours. The spirits of adults can do the same on November 2" -history.com

In which country is Dia de los Muertos celebrated?

• Spain

• France

• Italy

• Mexico

Answer explanation

Dia de los Muertos is celebrated in Mexico and is celebrated by those with Mexican heritage around the world. Several other Central American countries have similar holidays with similar traditions.

The people of which ancient civilization are credited with much of the inspiration for Dia de los Muertos?

• Aztec

• Inca

• Mesopotamia

• Navajo

Answer explanation

"The Aztecs and other Nahua people living in what is now central Mexico held a cyclical view of the universe, and saw death as an integral, ever-present part of life." - history.com

What is said to happen on Dia de los Muertos? (select all that apply).

• The divide between the living world and spirit world dissolves.

• The souls of the dead return to the land of the living.

• The living can visit the land of the dead.

Answer explanation

"On the Day of the Dead, it’s believed that the border between the spirit world and the real world dissolves. During this brief period, the souls of the dead awaken and return to the living world to feast, drink, dance and play music with their loved ones." - history.com

What is an ofrenda?

• A spirit guide, which is usually a brightly colored animal.

• A traditional food eaten during Dia de los Muertos.

• A dance performance.

• Altar where people leave offerings to the deceased.

Answer explanation

An ofrenda is set up in a family’s home. Tributes can also be left at the gravesites of loved ones.

What different things can be found on an ofrenda?

• Favorite food of a loved one

• Candles to light the way from the land of the dead

• Pictures of loved ones

• All of these items

Answer explanation

"First, people set up a candlelit altar in their homes so spirits can find their way back to their relatives. The altar also offers some of the favorite foods of the deceased—just in case they get hungry. Items that were important to the ancestors when they were alive, such as a favorite book or musical instrument, are placed on the altar as well." - nationalgeographic.com

What flower is associated with Dia de los Muertos?

• Carnations

• Marigolds

• Daffodils

• Roses

Answer explanation

Marigolds are thought to guide spirits to their loved ones because of their bright color and fragrance.

A popular treat eaten during the celebration is sugar molded into the shape of what?

• Candles

• Flowers

• Skulls

• Guitars

Answer explanation

"The most prominent symbols related to the Day of the Dead are calacas (skeletons) and calaveras (skulls). During contemporary Day of the Dead festivities, people commonly wear skull masks and eat sugar candy molded into the shape of skulls." - history.com

Another sweet treat which is made during Dia de los Muertos is pan de muertos, which is:

• a sweet bread

• chocolate

• sugary candy

• giant cake

Answer explanation

"Pan de muertos" translates to "bread of the dead."