Last Saturday, I was invited to the Anima concert, performed by El Coro de Camara in Playa del Carmen. The concert was held at Parque La Ceiba in Casa Sol.
Introduction Story Anima, El Regreso al Mayab.
The venue was a beautiful, atmospheric theater. The story, told according to Mayan tradition, is about the return of souls to Earth. Only the souls are prevented from returning to Earth. Ultimately, the souls manage to complete this meaningful journey, and a mother's soul returns to Earth to celebrate Hanal Pixan with her son.
What does Hanal Pixan mean?
The word Hanal means ¨Food¨and Pixan means ¨Soul¨in the Mayan language Food for the Souls.
According to Mayan belief, the soul is immortal and the celebration is made to honor the loved ones, while the act of offering food allows for an everlasting channel and sentimental connection between the living and the deceased.
This is the reason, that across the Yucatan Peninsula, in the Mayan communities, and traditional towns of the Mexican states of Campeche, Yucatan and Quitana Roo, the Day of the Dead celebration is commonñy referred to as Hanal Pixan.
When is Hanal Pixan celebrated?
The Mayan Hanal Pixan is celebrated between October 31st and November 2nd every year and is very similar in practice to the traditional Mexican holiday known as El Dia de Los Muertos.
More specifically, day one is to remember the passing of deceased children, day two is to honor the adults who have crossed over, and day three is a day of general observation dedicated to all who are dead and no longer with us on earth.
Therefor October 31st, namely on 27th of October the souls of the deceased pets will come down over the rainbow bridge. Everywhere you see altars built inside or outside the houses.
The altars are displayed to honor them and is always accompanied by their favorite foods and drinks since it is believed that they visit the homes of living relatives and friends in the physical world during this time to enjoy the offerings gifted to them.
The Altar
During the commemoration for departed family members and loved ones, elaborate and vibrant altars are put on display in households across the Yucatan Peninsula and throughout the entire public of Mexico.
Photographs, candles, and flowers are major attirbutes of thes altars, and on those dedicated to the honor of deceased children, you will often find a variety of candles, toys, and colors that are brights and joyous to convey happiness and to soothe those who are living and still mourning the loss of little lives..
The most important flower on the Day of the Dead in Mexico is the Cempasúchil, known as the "flower of the dead" for its bright orange color and aroma. It is believed that this flower guides souls to altars. Other flowers, such as the chrysanthemum, are also used because they symbolize eternity and are therefore often used to decorate graves.
Basics of the Traditional Hanal Pixan Altar
Traditional Hanal Pixan altars in the Yucatan always include the following staple characteristics:
- a table
- a white tablecloth for adults´altars or a colored one when is dedicated to children.
- a green cross symbolizes the Ceiba Tree which is recognizes as the Mayan Tree of life, and the entrance to Xilbalbá, the Mayan underworld.
- Incense to atract the spirits with the light from the ember and the scent of the stick.
- Food, traditionally local dishes, that are specially made in Yucatan style ¨pibil¨ style, local fruits like oranges and sugar cane, delicious Yucatan tamales.
- Salt and water, representing purification.
Hanal Pixan a beautiful way to remember the dead
I hope the further explanation of Hanal Pixan , the truly Mayan form of celebrating the well-known El Dia del Muertos,
has inspired you.
Do you still want to visit the Anima concert from El Coro de Camara? There are still two more concerts, namely:
Wednesday 29th of October:
Location: Casa Sofia Playacar
Time: 08.00 PM
Tickets: 200 mxn per person
Saturday 8th of November:
Location: Museo Frida Kahlo
Time: 18.30 PM
Tickets: 230 mxn per person
Enjoy these performances!
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