Introduction
Dia de los Muertos is one of the country’s most spectacular and extravagant celebrations. For Mexicans, unlike Americans or Europeans, death is merely the end of earthly existence, which continues in the other afterlife, the Mixtlán. That is why one cannot see sadness, tears, and grief on people’s faces as they prepare to meet their deceased relatives (Torres and Fernanda). On this day, relatives’ graves are decorated with photographs and symbolic things; they bring their favorite dishes, fruit, sweets, ribbons, flowers, and even alcoholic beverages, which is typical for other countries’ practices.
Discussion
However, two more mandatory and unique attributes exist to meet the dead. It is water, which the souls need after a long wander, and special bread, baked in a round shape, generously sprinkled with sugar, and decorated with strips that look like bones (Torres and Fernanda). This celebration can be compared to Halloween because its essential attributes are extraordinary costumes, wild coloring, special gastronomic preparations, and traditional entertainment. However, while in the case of Halloween, most of the characters are harmful, and the fun is based on fear, Death Day represents positive emotions, joy, love, and worship before dead relatives.
Human Composting
Human composting is a relatively recent burial practice that deservedly can be considered one of the most satisfactory options for managing organic waste while reducing its environmental impact. Since waste and food insecurity threaten the general population, it is the composting of remains that is one of the means towards sustainability. One cremation requires many liters of fuel and emits numerous kilograms of carbon dioxide and other hazardous chemicals into the air. Composting uses much less energy and reduces the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and it is an environmentally friendly method (Let’s Visit the Human Composting Facility). It is likewise vital to note that this type of burial’s ritual and spiritual practices are entirely different. Still, they are modern and are a mixture of science and spirituality.
Conclusion
Composting does not allow the relatives to remember the deceased’s life and commemorate him with favorite music or video recordings (Let’s Visit the Human Composting Facility). Therefore, this method has numerous advantages because of its environmental friendliness and usefulness.
Works Cited
Torres, Enrique and Perez, Fernanda. “How the Day of the Dead Is Celebrated in Oaxaca, Mexico.” Vogue. Web.
“Let’s Visit the Human Composting Facility.” YouTube, uploaded by Ask a Mortician. 2021. Web.