What Day of the Dead tells us about the Aztec philosophy of happiness

Jodie R. PalacioFood and Drinks
The Aztec civilization, known for its rich cultural heritage and complex belief systems, offers profound insights into the philosophy of happiness through its observance of the Day of the Dead. This ancient tradition, which has endured through the centuries and continues to be celebrated in contemporary Mexico and beyond, reflects key aspects of Aztec philosophical thought regarding life, death, and the pursuit of fulfillment.

At the heart of Aztec philosophy is the concept of duality – the idea that life and death are intertwined, and that one cannot exist without the other. This belief is central to the Day of the Dead, which is a commemoration of deceased loved ones. Rather than mourning their passing, the Aztecs viewed death as a natural part of the cycle of life, and the Day of the Dead was a time to honor and remember those who had passed on.

Central to the Aztec philosophy of happiness is the notion of living in harmony with the natural world and with one’s own mortality. Unlike modern Western societies, which often seek to avoid or deny death, the Aztecs embraced it as an essential aspect of existence. By acknowledging the impermanence of life, they were able to find meaning and fulfillment in the present moment, rather than constantly striving for future goals or material possessions.

The rituals associated with the Day of the Dead reflect this philosophy of acceptance and celebration of life’s transience. Families gather to create elaborate altars, or ofrendas, adorned with flowers, candles, and photographs of the deceased. These offerings are meant to welcome the spirits of the departed back to the world of the living, allowing them to temporarily rejoin their loved ones.

Through these rituals, the Aztecs affirmed their connection to their ancestors and the larger cosmic order. They believed that by honoring the dead, they could maintain a sense of continuity and balance in the universe, ensuring the well-being of both the living and the deceased. This sense of interconnectedness and mutual obligation lies at the heart of the Aztec philosophy of happiness, which emphasizes the importance of community, family, and tradition.

Moreover, the Day of the Dead serves as a reminder of the fragility and preciousness of life. By confronting death directly and openly, the Aztecs sought to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the fleeting beauty of the world around them. Rather than fearing the unknown, they embraced it as an integral part of the human experience, to be embraced and celebrated rather than shunned or ignored.

In this way, the Day of the Dead offers profound insights into the Aztec philosophy of happiness, which emphasizes acceptance, gratitude, and interconnectedness. By embracing the reality of death and honoring the memory of those who have passed on, the Aztecs were able to find meaning and fulfillment in the midst of life’s uncertainties. In doing so, they remind us of the importance of living in harmony with ourselves, with each other, and with the natural world – a lesson that resonates just as strongly today as it did thousands of years ago.