Every year more and more Día de los Muertos decor is showcased during halloween. The bright colors and beautifully decorated sugar skulls grab everyone’s attention. There has been a huge uptake in the commercialization of the holiday Día de Muertos or Day of the Dead in the United States. So many pretty decorations and costumes are seen every year during halloween, but the trends may not be understood.
Background
Celebrated in Mexican tradition, Día de Muertos is a holiday or celebration that involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and remember friends and family members who have passed on. It is not a time of sadness and grief, but a celebration of life and remembrance. The holiday is commonly on November 1 and 2, however the celebrations start towards the end of October and continue through the beginning of November. November 1 is typically the day devoted to honor the children who have passed. It is called Día de los Angelitos, or Day of the Angles. The second day is used to honor the adults who have passed on.
The Ofrenda
During the time of Día de los Muertos, households typically build Ofrendas or altars to honor their passed loved ones. An Ofrenda can include pictures, items of remembrance, food, decorations and any items held close to heart. Pictures of loved ones are normally placed all over an Ofrenda. Next to the pictures on the Ofrenda is decorated with personal belongings and favorite foods of the family and friends who have passed. Often called the “flowers of the dead” cempasúchils or marigolds, are placed on and off the Ofrenda. People create paths with the petals to guide souls to the Ofrenda. Fire, salt, and water can also be found on an Ofrenda. Fire is shown with wax candles. Each candle flame represents a departed soul and extras are added for forgotten souls. Salt represents the purification of the soul, and water is placed in containers for the souls to quench their thirst after their long journey to the altar. Another commonly found decoration on an Ofrenda is papel picado which means “punched paper.” It is colorful paper sheets with designs punched in them. They are used during parties, family gatherings, or just as simple decorations at home. However, there are no rules with creating an Ofrenda. It’s made with memories and love in celebration!
Inclusivity
Greater Latrobe offers opportunities and classes to allow students to discover their interests. I am so incredibly lucky to be a part of a school that embraces my culture and many others. In the class Exploring Global Foods, students have the opportunity to explore culture all over the world through food and traditions. During this time, students are working on a project featuring Día de los Muertos. Their project includes creating an Ofrenda for someone special, making an authentic Mexican food item, and creating a children’s book about the holiday.
Since my culture is so important to me, I wanted to know what the students thought of the holiday from what they had learned. Senior Bri Hoffer shared her insite.
Q: “What do you find most fascinating about Día de los Muertos and how has the class bettered your understanding of different cultures?”
A: I was not very familiar with Día de Muertos until we started the project. I learned how important it is to the Mexican community. I also learned how both the kids and the adults are celebrated on different days. We have made different cultures of food and I have gained new knowledge on different cultures because of it.”
Q: “Who did you choose for your Ofrenda, and what food item are you making?”
A: “We chose to do Marilyn Monroe for our Ofrenda, and decided to make churros to offer her.”
This goes to show that the holiday is for everyone no matter what culture you celebrate. Even for the people who do not include Día de Muertos, elements of the holiday can make grievance and healing from loss easier. It is known to be a therapeutic and positive holiday. Although our loved ones have passed on, we can still remember and celebrate that their spirits have returned to be with us during the holiday. It is important to keep souls and memories alive with us so they are never forgotten.
