Live Chat
(888) 741-0508
Login / Register
0
Personal Creations
  • Sign In
  • Halloween
    Halloween
    • Spooky Doormat
      Spooky Doormat
      Starting at
      $27.99 $39.99 Comp. Value
      1
      NEW
    • Featured
    • New Arrivals
    • Bestsellers
    • Light-Up Trick or Treat Pumpkin Collection
      Light-Up Trick or Treat Pumpkin Collection
      Starting at
      $34.99 $49.99 Comp. Value
      NEW
    • By Collection
    • For Kids
    • Home Decor
    • Light-Up Pumpkins
    • Treat Bags
    • Happy Halloween Drawstring Treat Bag
      Happy Halloween Drawstring Treat Bag
      $20.99 $29.99 Comp. Value
      NEW
  • Occasions
    Occasions
    • Seasonal
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Graduation
    • Back to School
    • Everyday Occasions
    • Anniversary
    • Baby Shower
    • Baptism & Christening
    • Birthdays
    • Confirmation
    • Engagement
    • First Communion
    • Housewarming
    • New Baby
    • Religious
    • Retirement
    • Wedding
    • Best Birthday Ever Yard Sign
      Best Birthday Ever Yard Sign
      Starting at
      $19.59 $27.99 Comp. Value
      168
    • Summer Essentials
    • Beach Towels
    • Beverage Tubs
    • Drawstring Bags
    • Grilling
    • Pickleball
    • Tote Bags
    • Tumblers
    • Water Bottles
    • Anniversary
    • New Arrivals
    • Bestsellers
    • For Her
    • For Him
    • For the Couple
    • 1st Anniversary
    • 5th Anniversary
    • 10th Anniversary
    • 25th Anniversary
    • 50th Anniversary
  • Wedding
    Wedding
    • Featured
    • New Arrivals
    • Bestsellers
    • By Collection
    • Elegant & Exquisite
    • Wall Art & Prints
    • Wedding Favors
    • By Recipient
    • For the Bride
    • For the Groom
    • For the Couple
    • For Bridesmaids
    • For Groomsmen
    • By Event
    • Engagement
    • Bridal Shower
    • Ceremony & Reception
    • Our Special Day Photo Collage Canvas
      Our Special Day Photo Collage Canvas
      Starting at
      $34.99 $49.99 Comp. Value
      NEW
    • Gift Ideas
    • Bar & Wine
    • Beer Glasses
    • Doormats
    • Entertaining
    • Kitchen
    • SCRABBLE®
    • Self-Inking Stamps
    • Watch Boxes & Valets
    • Wine Glasses
    • Happy Couple Tile Coaster Set
      Happy Couple Tile Coaster Set
      Starting at
      $20.99 $29.99 Comp. Value
      163
  • Anniversary
    Anniversary
    • Featured
    • New Arrivals
    • Bestsellers
    • By Recipient
    • For Her
    • For Him
    • For the Couple
    • By Year
    • 1st Anniversary
    • 5th Anniversary
    • 10th Anniversary
    • 25th Anniversary
    • 50th Anniversary
    • Years of Love Photo Anniversary Canvas
      Years of Love Photo Anniversary Canvas
      Starting at
      $34.99 $49.99 Comp. Value
      1
      NEW
    • Gift Ideas
    • Bar & Wine
    • Beer Mugs
    • Bracelets
    • Entertaining
    • Jewelry
    • SCRABBLE®
    • Watch Boxes & Valets
    • Wine Glasses
    • Carved Heart Candle Holder
      Carved Heart Candle Holder
      $20.99 $29.99 Comp. Value
      41
  • Memorial
    Memorial
    • Whispering Wings Stained Glass Memorial Lantern
      Whispering Wings Stained Glass Memorial Lantern
      $55.99 $79.99 Comp. Value
      1
      NEW
    • Featured
    • New Arrivals
    • Bestsellers
    • Military
    • Urns
    • U.S. Navy® Eagle Memorial Flag Display Case
      U.S. Navy® Eagle Memorial Flag Display Case
      $55.99 $79.99 Comp. Value
      23
    • By Collection
    • Candles and Lanterns
    • Garden Stones
    • Keepsakes
    • Pets
    • Photo
    • Wind Chimes
    • Peaceful Remembrance Wood Heart
      Peaceful Remembrance Wood Heart
      $20.99 $29.99 Comp. Value
      NEW
  • Him
    Him
    • Featured
    • New Arrivals
    • Bestsellers
    • PEPSI®NEW
    • Ridge® Wallet & Accessories
    • By Occasion
    • Anniversary
    • Birthday
    • Retirement
    • By Recipient
    • For Dad
    • For Grandpa
    • For Husbands
    • For Sons
    • For Brothers
    • For Teachers
    • Pepsi® Vintage Pint Glass
      Pepsi® Vintage Pint Glass
      $16.79 $23.99 Comp. Value
      NEW
    • By Collection
    • Apparel
    • Beer, Bar & Entertaining
    • Family Gifts
    • Gadgets & Accessories
    • Mugs
    • Office & Desk
    • Pets & Pet Lovers
    • Phone Accessories
    • SCRABBLE®
    • Socks
    • Wall Art
    • Watch Boxes & Valets
    • Outdoor Living
    • Outdoor Gifts
    • Beach Towels
    • Cooling TowelsNEW
    • Golf
    • Grilling
    • Pickleball
    • Sports
    • Water Bottles
  • Her
    Her
    • Featured
    • New Arrivals
    • Bestsellers
    • Betty Boop™
    • By Occasion
    • Anniversary
    • Birthday
    • Bridal Shower
    • Engagement
    • Retirement
    • By Recipient
    • For Mom
    • For Grandma
    • For Wives
    • For Daughters
    • For Sisters
    • For Friends
    • For the Bride
    • For Bridesmaids
    • For Couples
    • For Teachers
    • Heart with Name Travel Jewelry Box
      Heart with Name Travel Jewelry Box
      $20.99 $29.99 Comp. Value
      2
      NEW
    • By Collection
    • Apparel
    • Entertaining
    • Family Gifts
    • Garden Flags
    • Home & Decor
    • Jewelry
    • Keepsakes
    • Kitchen
    • Love & Romance
    • PEANUTS®
    • Pets & Pet Lovers
    • Phone Accessories
    • Planters & Pots
    • SCRABBLE®
    • Socks
    • Suzy Toronto
    • Outdoor Living
    • Outdoor Gifts
    • Beach Towels
    • Cooling Towels
    • Drawstring Bags
    • Gardening
    • Pickleball
    • Tote Bags
    • Water Bottles
  • Baby & Kids
    Baby & Kids
    • Featured
    • New For Kids
    • Baby Bestsellers
    • Kids Bestsellers
    • Toddler Gifts
    • By Event
    • Baby Shower
    • Newborn Gifts
    • First Birthday
    • Boys Birthday
    • Girls Birthday
    • Christening & Baptism
    • First Communion
    • Baby Collection
    • Bibs & Burp Cloths
    • Blankets
    • Frames
    • Keepsakes
    • Nursery Decor
    • Storybooks
    • Toys
    • Mighty Hero Step Stool
      Mighty Hero Step Stool
      $55.99 $79.99 Comp. Value
      NEW
    • Kids Collection
    • Backpacks
    • Bedding
    • Growth Charts
    • Keepsakes
    • Room Decor
    • School Supplies
    • Sleepover Gifts & Gear
    • Step Stools
    • Storybooks
    • Stuffed Animals & Dolls
    • Towels
    • Toys & Pretend Play
    • Wall Art
    • Water Bottles, Lunch & Snacks
    • By Brand
    • GUND®
    • Melissa & Doug®
    • i See Me!®
    • Stephen Joseph®
    • Stuffies®
    • Officially Licensed
    • Crayola™
    • MonopolyNEW
    • My Little Pony
    • PEANUTS®
    • Peppa Pig
    • PJ Masks
    • Tonka
    • TRANSFORMERS
  • Home
    Home
    • Featured
    • New Arrivals
    • Bestsellers
    • Fall Decor
    • Housewarming
    • Pets
    • Office
    • Desk & Office
    • Mouse Pads
    • Photo Calendars
    • Self-Inking Stamps
    • Stationery
    • Drinkware
    • Mugs
    • Tumblers
    • Water Bottles
    • Kitchen
    • Aprons
    • Bakeware
    • Coasters
    • Cutting Boards
    • Kitchen Towels
    • Pot Holders
    • Bar & Entertaining
    • Beer & Wine Gifts
    • Beer Glasses
    • Beverage Tubs
    • Host & Entertaining
    • Serveware
    • Serving Trays
    • Wine Glasses
    • Personalized Fall Decor Personalized Fall Decor
    • Outdoor & Garden
    • Banners & Yard Signs
    • Beach Towels
    • Doormats
    • Garden Flags
    • Gardening
    • Grilling
    • Patio & Outdoor Decor
    • Planters & Flower Pots
    • Totes
    • Décor & Wall Art
    • Canvas Wall Art
    • Kids Room Decor
    • Nursery Decor
    • Pet Portraits
    • Slates & Signs
    • TwinkleBright® LED
    • Wall Art & Prints
    • Wedding Wall Art
    • Bed & Bath
    • Bath Towels
    • Bathroom Decor
    • Blankets & Throws
    • Kids Towels
    • Pillows & Pillowcases
  • Photo
    Photo
    • Picture-Perfect Photo Color Changing Mug
      Picture-Perfect Photo Color Changing Mug
      $13.99 $19.99 Comp. Value
      NEW
    • Featured
    • New Arrivals
    • Bestsellers
    • Photo Calendars
    • By Recipient
    • For Her
    • For Him
    • For Baby & Kids
    • Picture-Perfect Photo Keychain
      Picture-Perfect Photo Keychain
      $11.19 $15.99 Comp. Value
      29
    • By Collection
    • Bags & Totes
    • Barware
    • Blankets & Throws
    • Canvas & Wall Decor
    • Coasters
    • Keepsakes/Accessories
    • Kitchen & Home Decor
    • Memorial
    • Mugs
    • Pillows & Pillowcases
    • Puzzles
    • Socks
    • Tumblers
    • Picture-Perfect Photo Wooden Puzzle
      Picture-Perfect Photo Wooden Puzzle
      $27.99 $39.99 Comp. Value
      32
  • By Brand
    By Brand
    • PEANUTS® Gang Drawstring Bag
      PEANUTS® Gang Drawstring Bag
      $20.99 $29.99 Comp. Value
      NEW
    • Officially Licensed
    • Betty Boop™
    • Crayola™
    • MonopolyNEW
    • My Little Pony
    • PEANUTS®
    • Peppa Pig
    • PEPSI®NEW
    • PJ Masks
    • Rudolph®
    • SCRABBLE®
    • Tonka
    • TRANSFORMERS
    • Pepsi® Vintage Logo Beverage Tub
      Pepsi® Vintage Logo Beverage Tub
      Starting at
      $41.99 $59.99 Comp. Value
      NEW
    • By Collection
    • Blankie Tails®
    • GUND®
    • i See Me!®
    • Melissa & Doug®
    • Self-Inking Stamps
    • Stephen Joseph®
    • Stuffies®
    • Suzy Toronto
    • RIDGE® Wallet & Accessories
    • i See Me!® My Farm Friends Personalized Book
      i See Me!® My Farm Friends Personalized Book
      $20.99 $29.99 Comp. Value
      11
  • Business
    Business
    • Corporate Gifting
    • Apparel
    • Drinkware
    • Home
    • Tech
    • Office
    • Outdoor & Leisure
Storewide Offer!
Save 30% on Everything
Personalized Memorial Gifts
Discounts applied automatically.
Hurry, ends 9/4. Savings based on Comp. Value. Exclusions apply.*

Related Articles

Mexico's Halloween

November 14th, 2014
October 8th, 2012
800px-¡Ya_vienen!Photo by Eneas De Troya

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a centuries old celebration honoring the loss of a family member or friend. It is not a sad ritual but rather a celebration of the spirit of the person who has passed. Through traditional rituals and the use of decorative altars (ofrendas), festive skeletons and intricately detailed and festooned skulls (calaveras), the event is for remembering the departed soul in a positive and happy manner. The ancient rituals involved with the Day of the Dead play a significant role in the beliefs of the Latino community living in countries around the world. Each year, the two-day celebration takes place on November 1 and 2 in Mexico, Europe, Central America, South America, and the United States.

Origins/History

The Dia de los Muertos celebration dates back an estimated 3000 years. It was a celebration first initiated by the indigenous people of Mexico celebrating the life and death of loved ones. When Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortez invaded the Aztec Empire in Mexico in 1519 and ultimately defeated the empire in 1521, converting the indigenous people of the country to the Catholic religion was a priority but was not successful. Instead, a blending of the traditional rituals of the Day of the Dead celebrations with Catholic traditions evolved. Today, elements of both are apparent in festival activities and events.

The celebration traditionally begins on November 1 – All Saints’ Day – and continues on November 2 – All Souls’ Day. The date is in close proximity to October 31 – All Hallow’s Eve – another celebration of the dead with ancient ties to Ireland and Scotland. Like many celebrations around the world for the departed souls, the two days in November are a time of fun festivities, activities, and offerings, as well as an opportunity for friends and families to socialize in remembrance of those who have passed. While The Day of the Dead sounds foreboding, it is just the opposite, with families enjoying every aspect of the event with music, singing, dancing, elaborate costumes and make-up, eating, and drinking.

  • Dia de los Muertos Altar
  • Dia de los Muertos
  • Smithsonian Theater of the Dead
  • About Day of the Dead
  • Celebration, History & Origins

Beliefs

In anticipation of the return of spirits on Dia de los Muertos, families prepare gravesites and family tombs with festive decorations. Symbolic altars are created in the home and at the cemetery using cutouts of frolicking skeletons made of tissue paper or papier-mâché and decorated skulls made from ceramic, clay, or sugar. These decorative altars have a variety of food, drink, personal mementos, and photographs of the deceased displayed to entice the soul home. Scent is important in the rituals. Incense is burned, candles lit, and marigolds, which date back to an Aztec tradition, are placed at the altars so the fragrance will guide a soul home.

It is believed the dead like sweets and items such as pan de muerto – bread of the dead – sweet breads, candy, and decorated sugar skulls are all offered to the spirits. Once the spirits consume the essence of the offering, revelers eat the offerings.

  • Beliefs of Dia de los Muertos
  • A Fusion of Beliefs
  • Mexico Celebrates Life
  • Why Mexicans Celebrate Day of the Dead
  • Understanding Dia de los Muertos

Celebrations Outside of Mexico

The Day of the Dead is celebrated in cities and countries around the world. In the US, it is not unusual for the celebration to last anywhere from a week to a month. In Longmont, Colorado, the month-long event includes a community altar so everyone can participate as a group and a fiesta. San Francisco and Los Angeles celebrations include parade processions, food vendors, artistic works, music, customary pan de muerto sweet bread, and traditional altars throughout the event area.

Guatemalans celebrate their Day of the Dead much like the Mexican community with decorative altars and gravestones, food, and marigolds. In addition to the traditional celebration activities, the festivities include massive, colorful kites that serve as a guide for souls to find their way home.

In Spain, November 1 and 2 are school holidays in honor of the event. Families bring flowers to gravesites to honor the dead. Bolivians include the ritual of having a relative’s skull blessed at a local chapel. The belief is the skulls will ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the family. The Phillippines and Haiti both celebrate Dia de los Muertos with gatherings of family at the cemetery to honor the dead with food, drink, music, and flowers.

  • Longmont Museum Day of the Dead Celebration
  • Celebrations Around the US
  • Day of the Dead: 5 Places to Celebrate
  • Day of the Dead in a Guatemalan Graveyard
  • Images of a Day of the Dead Celebration

Creating enticing altars to guide departed soul’s home with decorative cutouts, making masks, baking bread, and making sugar skulls are all part of the Day of the Dead rituals. Prior to the beginning of the two-day event, shopkeepers in the marketplace sell an assortment of flowers, baked items, candies, toys, and decorative cutouts. To involve children in the process of learning about honor and tradition and what they can do to be a part of the Day of the Dead, whether at home or at school, consider one of these creative projects.

  • AZCentral Day of the Dead Teachers Packet
  • The Art of Mexican Cut Paper
  • The Alma Project
  • Day of the Dead Mini Unit
  • Make Your Own Altar
  • Celebrating Hispanic Culture
  • Making Mexican Papel Picado
  • Create a Dia de los Muertos Altar
  • Day of the Dead Mexican Crafts
  • Free Printable Day of the Dead Crafts
  • Making Sugar Skulls
  • Sugar Skull Decorating Parties
  • Dia de los Muertos Resources
  • Day of the Dead Webquest
  • Day of the Dead Food and Drink
Previous Post Guest Bedroom Redesign: Incorporating New Furnishings Into a Drab Space
Next Post Decorating Your Home for Easter. Get Crafty with Your Easter Decor!
Subscribe

Save 40% on your first order*
when you sign up for email and texts

*some exclusions apply

'An envelope'
Thank you for signing up
for promotional emails.
You will receive an email with your discount shortly!
View Our Catalog
Our Company
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Supply Chain Act
  • Supplier Code of Conduct
  • Terms of Use
  • Patents
Help
  • Apparel Size Charts
  • Contact Us
  • Corporate & Bulk Orders
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • How to Order
  • Manage Personal Information
  • Site Map
  • Change Region
Info
  • My Account
  • Order Tracking
  • Shipping, Returns & Fees
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Get the App
Download App

Copyright©. All Rights Reserved.

  • *Our Comparable Value (or Comp. Value) prices are based on the prices at which similar items have been previously offered for sale by Personal Creations and/or other retailers.
  • Sale ends 11:59:59 pm Pacific Time on September 4, 2025.*Some Exclusions Apply. Without promo code, customer can currently save 30%.
  • IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: This website and its contents, including, but not limited to, images, artwork, content, layout, design and text are protected by domestic and international copyright laws. It is unlawful to reproduce, transmit, print, or distribute any portion of this website without our express written consent. We are committed to creating an inclusive experience for people with disabilities. If you need assistance, please contact our Customer Care team at (888) 741-0508