Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a cherished tradition rooted deeply in Mexican culture, celebrated annually on November 1st and 2nd. While often misunderstood, this holiday isn’t about mourning; it’s about remembrance, connection, and love. Originating from Indigenous rituals dating back thousands of years, this holiday blends Aztec traditions with elements of Spanish Catholicism, creating a unique celebration that has now spread globally, especially to the United States.
As this vibrant holiday has grown beyond Mexico's borders, it has evolved, allowing families to adapt traditions in ways that honor their heritage while embracing their surroundings. Families build ofrendas (altars) adorned with marigolds, candles, photographs, favorite foods, and mementos of those who have passed, inviting the spirits of their loved ones back for a joyful reunion. The belief is that, for these two days, the boundary between the living and the dead fades, allowing cherished memories to be relived and new ones to be created in the heart.
For many families, Día de los Muertos isn’t just about human family members but also extends to beloved pets. Pets are a profound part of our lives, and the bond we share with them deserves acknowledgment. In recent years, a new tradition has emerged: creating ofrendas and rituals that celebrate the lives of pets who have passed, honoring the joy and companionship they brought.
Celebrating Pets on Día de los Muertos
In the US, pet owners are embracing Día de los Muertos to remember pets, creating small altars with treats, toys, or collars. Adding a pet’s favorite blanket or a photo in their favorite resting spot is a beautiful way to honor the life they shared with us. Some families place a dish of water and a bowl of their pet’s favorite food on the altar, symbolizing the continued care and love that transcends their physical presence.
Marigolds, the vibrant orange flowers traditionally associated with this holiday, are thought to guide spirits back home. Many pet owners place these flowers around their pet’s altar, symbolizing guidance and love. And while dogs have long been revered in Aztec culture for guiding souls to the afterlife, all pets are honored with equal respect and gratitude for their companionship and loyalty.
Adapting Día de los Muertos in the US
As Día de los Muertos continues to grow in the US, communities are finding unique ways to honor the holiday, with families sharing stories, memories, and creating traditions that include pets. In some cities, pet-friendly Día de los Muertos celebrations invite pet owners to bring their furry family members to join the festivities, wearing bandanas or flower crowns inspired by the holiday’s symbols. This integration allows people to celebrate their pets while keeping their heritage alive in an authentic way.
At LunaMarie, we recognize the importance of this tradition for so many families, including ours. Our Día de los Muertos-inspired pet bandanas offer a small yet meaningful way to honor pets who have left their pawprints on our hearts, keeping them close and celebrating their memory each year.
"Día de los Muertos is an important celebration for my family. For many years, it has helped us celebrate the passing of loved ones, filling our hearts with love instead of grief. I created the Día de los Muertos bandana as a way for people to incorporate their pets into this beautiful tradition, honoring those who continue to live on in our memories." – Mariana Olvera, founder of LunaMarie
Beautiful Rituals and Traditions to Honor Pets Who Have Passed
Creating a Pet Ofrenda
A small altar for your pet can be a personal and comforting way to remember them. Add photographs, their collar, or even a small blanket with their scent. Marigold petals, known as cempasúchil, are traditionally used to guide spirits back to the world of the living.
Personalized Pet Bandanas
At LunaMarie, we’ve created a Día de los Muertos pet bandana as a small but heartfelt way for pet parents to incorporate their pets into this celebration. Just as we honor our family with marigolds and keepsakes, a festive bandana can add a touch of beauty and connection, letting pets share in the tradition.
Sharing Stories and Memories
Share fond memories of your pet with family or friends. Tell stories that capture their personality, their quirks, and the special place they hold in your heart. These stories help keep their spirit alive, enriching your celebration of Día de los Muertos with warmth and joy.
Lighting a Candle in Their Honor
Lighting a candle symbolizes guiding spirits home, allowing you to reflect on the light they brought into your life. In a quiet moment, this small ritual can be a powerful way to honor their memory and feel connected.
Ways to Honor Your Pet Year-Round
For those who wish to keep their pet’s memory alive beyond Día de los Muertos, here are three small but meaningful ways to celebrate them throughout the year:
Create a Memory Corner
Set up a small corner or shelf in your home dedicated to your pet’s memory. Place their photo, collar, or favorite toy there, along with a candle or small bouquet of marigolds to bring a touch of Día de los Muertos into your everyday life. This space can be a comforting spot to visit, especially when you’re missing them.
Celebrate Their “Gotcha” Day or Birthday
Honor your pet by marking their adoption anniversary or birthday with a small ritual. Light a candle, share a story about them with family or friends, or do something that reminds you of the happiness they brought into your life. It’s a beautiful way to relive their memory with joy.
Wear a Symbol of Their Memory
Keep your pet close by incorporating their memory into something you wear, like a necklace or bracelet. Every time you see or wear it, it serves as a reminder of the love they gave and the joy they brought to your life.
The Importance of Rituals and Remembrance
From the bright colors to the joyful gatherings, Día de los Muertos brings comfort and connection to those who celebrate it. Whether through setting up an altar, sharing stories, or even dressing pets in holiday-inspired bandanas, we can keep the memories of our loved ones, both human and pet, alive. This beautiful tradition is a reminder that love is eternal, and though our loved ones may be gone, they continue to enrich our lives through our memories and our hearts.
This Día de los Muertos, let us cherish the spirits of those who have touched our hearts, honoring them with every story, every flower, and every shared memory. For love is eternal, and through Día de los Muertos, we continue to hold our beloved companions close, celebrating the vibrant lives they lived and the warmth they left behind.
