We've all heard about the Day of the Dead or seen the classic sugar skull paintings—but what does this celebration really represent? The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, in particular the Central and South regions, and by people of Mexican heritage elsewhere. "Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is not a Mexican version of Halloween. Though related, the two annual events differ greatly in traditions and tone. Whereas Halloween is a dark night of terror and mischief [and candy] Day of the Dead festivities unfold over two days in an explosion of color and life-affirming joy. Sure, the theme is death, but the point is to demonstrate love and respect for deceased family members." In towns and cities on November 1st and 2nd, throughout Mexico, you will see makeup and costumes, parades and parties, song and dance, and offerings made to lost loved ones. To learn more about the history, food, alters, and the 'papel picado' (that beautiful, brightly colored tissue paper that gets draped on the alters and streets) and more, click on National Geographic's TOP TEN THINGS TO LEARN ABOUT THE DAY OF THE DEAD Here's a short video you might watch with your students: "When there’s no one left in the living world who remembers you, you disappear from this world. We call it the Final Death." - Miguel from the movie, Coco "Consider a celebration for the Day of the Dead in your classroom. Students can remember a loved one who has passed away—a grandparent, friend, even a pet. This can be done through a writing assignment or an art project, creating a classroom altar with pictures and objects. Talking about the dead is not something students often get the space to do, and it is a valuable lesson in honoring those we love while building empathy for others. Seeing that their classroom community is full of people who have experienced loss is a common thread that will unite them. Take it a step further and show students that loss is a thread that unites humanity throughout time." (www.tolerance.org/magazine/let-dia-de-los-muertos-stand-on-its-own) A couple ideas for writing prompts/discussions: ~~>Students can compare and contrast Halloween and Dia de los Muertos? (Oftentimes the misconception is that Dia de los Muertos is the "Mexican version" of Halloween.) Discuss Memorial Day and how it might be also similar or different from Dia de los Muertos. ~~>Who would they want to make an ofrenda for, and why? (Ask your students to share if any of them celebrate Day of the Dead and if he/she knows what an 'ofrenda' is before turning to the internet to research the definition.) Allow time for your students to write and/or draw their answers. This will be a great way to make connections within the class. As mentioned above--students will feel a sense of community when sharing about those that they have lost and still love. In this video, children explain Day of the Dead celebrations as they introduce the holiday's symbols, crafts and traditions:
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March 2020
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