The items usually represent the deceased’s favorite foods and hobbies. The altars are carefully decorated and covered in gifts. Instead, they are decorative displays built in memory of those being remembered. But these altars are not for worshipping. In the days leading up to the holiday, each family creates a beautiful altar, sometimes referred to as an ofrenda, in their home. Stores are filled with sugar skulls (calaveras) of every size, and museums proudly display their exhibits of skeleton figurines dressed as mariachis or everyday workers, such as plumbers, taxi drivers, or doctors. Panaderías (bakeries) are filled with pan de muertos (bread of the dead), and florists sell out of every kind of flower, especially the cempasúchil (marigold). Preparations for the holiday begin a week or more before Nov. Even though the way it is observed varies from town to town – or even family to family – the holiday typically centers around a display either at the gravesite or in the family’s home. This is a crucial developmental skill that children must learn and unfortunately, here in the United States, it is not one that is taught.īecause it is colorful and joyful, Day of the Dead is now celebrated by more and more people here in the United States and around the world. It’s also an opportunity to help children learn about the grieving process and how we can move beyond it to that bittersweet place of remembering people we’ve lost without sadness. For this reason, Day of the Dead is both special and important. Instead, this beautiful holiday gives people the opportunity to celebrate the lives of their friends and family who have passed away. It is not morbid nor does it glorify the macabre. It is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. In this post, we’ll discuss Day of the Dead facts, traditional ways to observe the holiday, and we’ve included many worksheets and Day of the Dead activities ideas to teach students and children about this wonderful holiday from Mexico.ĭay of the Dead – or Día de los Muertos – is a very old Mexican tradition in which people take the time to remember their loved ones who have died. Its proximity to Halloween and use of decorative skulls and skeletons confuses outside observers who don’t know the history and intention behind the observance. Despite the popularity of the animated movies “The Book of Life” and “Coco,” Day of the Dead remains one of the most misunderstood holidays in the United States.
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