The Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2. It is widely observed in Mexico where it largely developed, and is also observed in other places, especially by people of Mexican heritage. Although related to the simultaneous Christian remembrances Halloween (All Hallows' Eve) and All Saints’ Day, it has a much less solemn tone and is portrayed as a holiday of joyful celebration rather than mourning. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and to remember friends and family members who have died. These celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed.
Traditions connected with the holiday include honoring the deceased using calaveras (decorative skulls) and marigolds, building ofrendas (home altars) with the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these items as gifts for the deceased.
Back in my days of teaching 8th grade Spanish and Language Arts, the lesson this time of year was about Día de los Muertos, comparing and contrasting the differences between this day, Halloween, and All Saints' Day. The final assignment was to create an ofrenda for a loved one who had passed away, write a poem, letter, epitaph about the person, and then the part that was most difficult for many, give a short presentation about their project.
My daughter and son-in-law celebrate Día de los Muertos and put an ofrenda in their home to honor those who have passed. It's a very special way to begin this season of gratitude.
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| Photo: Lauren Garcia |
Until We Meet Again
We think about you always,
We talk about you still,
You have never been forgotten
And you never will.
We hold you close within our hearts
And there you will remain,
To walk and guide us through our lives
Until we meet again.
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