Dia de Muertos

COLOR’S symbolic meaning in DAY OF THE DEAD (Día de Muertos )

Over 3,000 years ago the Aztecs developed Day of the Dead with a deep belief that one shouldn’t mourn the loss of someone who passed. Instead, they believed you should celebrate life.

Day of the Dead festivities take place over two days, November 1st and 2nd. The celebration pays deep respect and love for deceased family members. Mourning was not allowed because it was believed the tears would make the spirit’s path dangerous and slippery. In towns and cities throughout Mexico, revelers sing and dance, have parades and parties all to make offerings to lost loved ones. Powerful bursts of color celebrate the affirmation of life and the colors used in these rituals hold symbolic meaning.

BLACK – While used sparingly and often in the background, black symbolizes the land of the dead and the prehispanic religions of the people.

PURPLE – One of the most important colors, purple signifies pain, suffering, and mourning. Families use purple to acknowledge the loss of those they love.

PINK – Pink is celebratory, the joy of people paying tribute to those they love.

RED – Red often stands for the blood of people or animals, signifying the blood of life.

WHITE – White is symbolic of purity and renewal, new beginnings for the souls of Day of the Dead. White is hopeful and found in paper decorations and at the altar.

ORANGE +YELLOW – Marigolds are widely used in the Day of the Dead celebration. The petals are used to lead the dead home to the altars where they are honored and prayed for by their loved ones. Marigolds come in orange and yellow, symbolic of a glowing sun and unity because under the sun, we’re all the same.

We love the idea of celebrating lives well lived through COLOR and festivities.
¡Feliz Dia de Muertos!

Living IN COLOR,
Laura Guido-Clark
founder
LOVE GOOD COLOR