DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
What is Día de los Muertos?
Día de los Muertos is translated into English as "Day of the Dead" During this day it is traditional to celebrate the lives of relatives and friends who have passed away.
So Día de los Muertos isn't just a Mexican Halloween?
No! Not at all! Read on!
How do they celebrate their deceased loved ones?
During a celebration of Día de los Muertos, one would make an altar, called an ofrenda, dedicated to this loved one. On the ofrenda one might put photos of their loved one, their favorite food, or any of many traditional decorations, discussed below. Día de los Muertos is a celebration, and therefore it is common to party and spend time with family and friends, celebrating the loved ones that have come and gone.
What are ofrendas?
Ofrendas are altars for the deceased loved one. It is traditional to have three levels on the ofrenda, one on top of the other. The top level
typically contains a crucifix or a painting of Jesus Christ or other similar devotional image. There are typically four elements present on an ofrenda, air, water, earth, and fire. The air is fulfilled by what is called "papel picado" or "cut paper". This is paper that has been cut into festive designs, then hung above or within the ofrenda. These are typically colorful and festive. Water is typically placed on the ofrenda, along with salt. Fire is often fulfilled using candles, typically one for each honored loved one. This is not all that is typical on the ofrenda, however: there are also flowers, typically marigolds (Cempasuchitl) and sugar skulls and pan de muerto (bread of the dead). Also on these ofrendas are articles of clothing of the deceased, such as a shawl or a hat. For children small toys are typically offered.
Ofrendas are altars for the deceased loved one. It is traditional to have three levels on the ofrenda, one on top of the other. The top level
typically contains a crucifix or a painting of Jesus Christ or other similar devotional image. There are typically four elements present on an ofrenda, air, water, earth, and fire. The air is fulfilled by what is called "papel picado" or "cut paper". This is paper that has been cut into festive designs, then hung above or within the ofrenda. These are typically colorful and festive. Water is typically placed on the ofrenda, along with salt. Fire is often fulfilled using candles, typically one for each honored loved one. This is not all that is typical on the ofrenda, however: there are also flowers, typically marigolds (Cempasuchitl) and sugar skulls and pan de muerto (bread of the dead). Also on these ofrendas are articles of clothing of the deceased, such as a shawl or a hat. For children small toys are typically offered.
What are Sugar Skulls and Pan de Muerto?
Sugar skulls are just as they sound to be: skulls made of sugar. These are placed on an ofrenda. For a recipe visit the Recipes Page! They are decorated with frosting, possibly including the name of the deceased, and colorful foil.
Pan de muerto is a bread that is placed on an ofrenda. This bread typically has a cross on it made out of dough. This simple sweetbread is eaten at the gravesites of the deceased.
Sugar skulls are just as they sound to be: skulls made of sugar. These are placed on an ofrenda. For a recipe visit the Recipes Page! They are decorated with frosting, possibly including the name of the deceased, and colorful foil.
Pan de muerto is a bread that is placed on an ofrenda. This bread typically has a cross on it made out of dough. This simple sweetbread is eaten at the gravesites of the deceased.
So all they do is build ofrendas?
No! This is a time of celebration! During this time in Spain they hold parades, after which people go to the graves of their loved ones and offer prayers for them. These tombs are often decorated as well, and cared for meticulously. While at the grave they traditionally celebrate with the favorite food and drinks of their departed loved ones. Also, sometimes people also build calacas of their relatives, or small sculptures. These typically portray the deceased as doing something that they often enjoyed doing, only as a skeleton (still in the same clothing). What will El Club de español do to celebrate Día de los Muertos this year? The Spanish Club will, as always, host the Day of the Dead Dance on Saturday, November 6. In addition to this dance, this year the Spanish Club is doing something new: an All-School Ofrenda! In order for this celebration of the lives of our deceased loved ones to work, we all must participate! Bring in copies of photos of your loved ones to your theology teachers or Sra. Stewart, and the Club Officers will build an ofrenda for our dearly departed near the chapel. Sources: Wikipedia and http://www.inside-mexico.com/ofrenda.htm |