On Nov. 1, the Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA) held an arts and crafts event for the Day of the Dead, or El Dia de los Muertos. The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that dates back to the Aztec empire and their celebration of All Souls’ Day. When El Dia de los Muertos came about, they started by celebrating it in two days: Nov. 1 and Nov. 2.
This holiday has the intent of connecting living and dead relatives once a year as a way for the living relatives to celebrate those that have left. Something that many people make sure to focus on when explaining the Day of the Dead is that people celebrating are not mourning their lost loved ones, but celebrating them and helping them cross realms so they’re able to see their living relatives one more time and honor their memory.
To honor their relatives they create what is called an ofrenda, in which you put together an altar with marigold flowers, a picture of those who have passed away, candles and their favorite items, such as their favorite foods and drinks. The skulls also remind oneself that death is something that will eventually come and it’s something we have to come to terms with by showing them what they will eventually be.
Attendees were able to make faux ofrendas of their own using a variety of stickers that were handed out by members of USGA. The designs were beautiful and utilized flowers and more vibrant, as widely seen throughout typical depictions of these designs.
It may seem like something one would not want to occur but it is important to remember when the time comes for us, we’ll be celebrated for it. Dia de los Muertos is a holiday that originated in Mexico but is now something that is celebrated all over the world and is inherited in different religions.
This holiday comes from a culture that encapsulates items such as painted skulls and marigolds otherwise known as the flor de muerto and la ofrenda.
Some movies that bring the tradition to life are “Coco” and “The Book of Life.” Although they are kids’ movies, the films are a good way to get a look into what is done on these days.
La Catrina is a figure who many say is “the face of the event,” and was known as the goddess of death. It was believed that she helped guide the soul of the dead into the living realm.
La Catrina has a dedicated event where people dress up as different embodiments of the figure to honor what she did and who she became to those around her. At the beginning of the event, you’re welcomed by the organization and shown what you’d be doing during your time there. During the event, everyone was putting together their pieces of art while the conversation varied from the purpose of the event to people introducing who they are to each other. You’re then provided with a paper that shows different types of skulls and stickers that show off the culture and the bright colors of the holiday, which may even be interpreted as a form of La Catrina. You then put them together to make a beautiful Calavera, also known as a skull.
