Every year, on November 1st and 2nd, Mexico and people of Mexican ancestry around the world gather to honor the lives of loved ones who have passed away. This colorful and spirited tradition is called Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. The celebration provides a unique opportunity for teachers to introduce this rich cultural heritage to their students and embrace its universal theme of remembering those who have departed.
1. Introducing Día de los Muertos: The Importance of Cultural Respect
Begin by explaining the significance of Día de los Muertos as a time-honored tradition in Mexican culture. Emphasize to your students that while it might resemble Halloween, it is essential to recognize and respect the differences between these two celebrations. Encourage dialogue around cultural appreciation and discourage the appropriation or trivialization of this meaningful holiday.
2. The History Behind Día de los Muertos
Introduce your students to the history of Día de los Muertos, which dates back over 3,000 years to indigenous Mesoamerican cultures. Explain how the ancient Aztecs believed in an afterlife where the deceased traveled to Mictlan, a journey that took four years. The Aztecs set aside a month in their calendar for celebrating the dead, which eventually evolved into today’s Día de los Muertos.
3. Key Components and Symbols of Día de los Muertos
Familiarize students with different elements that form part of this celebration:
– Ofrendas (Altars): Explain that families create an altar at home or gravesites with flowers, candles, photos, favorite foods, and drinks for deceased loved ones.
– Marigolds: Teach the importance of the bright orange flowers called cempasuchil or marigolds that represent life and help guide the spirits to the ofrendas.
– Calaveras (Sugar Skulls): Explain how sugar skulls honor the deceased and can be decorated with icing, foil, glitter, and beads.
– Pan de Muerto: Introduce students to the delicious and traditional bread made specifically for Día de los Muertos.
4. Art and Creativity in Día de los Muertos
Have students explore Mexican folk art, particularly those related to Día de los Muertos. In this activity, students can create their own calavera masks or skeletons using papier-mâché, cardboard, or other materials.
5. Literary Connection: Poetry and Calaveritas
Introduce your students to short whimsical poems called “calaveritas literarias” written during Día de los Muertos. These poems often humorously describe someone’s demise, but their primary purpose is to remember the deceased with love and affection.
In conclusion, teaching students about Día de los Muertos will not only instill a deeper understanding of Mexican culture but also inspire them to reflect on how different societies around the world embrace life, death, and remembrance. As educators, recognizing our global interconnectedness is a crucial element in fostering empathy and cultural appreciation in our classrooms.
