Its origins are distinctly Mexican: During the time of the Aztecs, a month long summer celebration was overseen by the goddess Mictecacihuatl, the Lady of the Dead. After the Aztecs were conquered by Spain and Catholicism became the dominant religion, the customs became intertwined with the Christian commemoration of All Saints'Day.But the customs have different origins, and their attitudes toward death are different: In the typical Halloween festivities, which are of Celtic origin, death is something to be feared.