Dias de los Muertos The days of the Dead

Do you think this is a scary celebration or joyful time? What clues did you get about Dias de los Muertos from watching that animated short? Do you think this is a scary celebration or joyful time?

Dia de los Muertos originated centuries ago in Mexico, where it is still widely celebrated to this day. The holiday is a blend of pre-Hispanic indigenous beliefs and Spanish Catholic beliefs.

WHO CELEBRATES DAY OF THE DEAD? Dia de los Muertos is celebrated throughout Mexico. Many other countries around the world celebrate similar (or hybrid) versions of Day of the Dead as well, by having special days for honoring the dead. These celebrations occur in various countries in Central and South America, Europe and Asia, where they celebrate the holiday according to their own local customs. Day of the Dead has also taken hold in areas with a high Mexican immigrant population, particularly in California, Texas, Arizona and other parts of the United States. Many people around the world, even if they are not directly connected to Mexican culture, are drawn to the concept and imagery of Mexico's Day of the Dead, so the holiday seems to continually gain in popularity as more people learn about it.

WHAT IS DIAS DE LOS MUERTOS? Dia de los Muertos is a time for remembering and honoring those who have passed. It is not scary or dark. It is a festive, joyous time of celebration. Day of the Dead is Mexico’s biggest holiday, which means they invest a lot of time and money into celebrating.

WHEN IS DAY OF THE DEAD? The Day of the Dead falls on November 1 and 2 of each year, coinciding with the Catholic holidays All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Although November 2nd is the official date for Day of the Dead, it is celebrated between October 31st and November 2nd. Usually the preparations (and some festivities) start even earlier than that. So really, the "Day" of the Dead can also be called the "Days" of the Dead, because the holiday spans more than one day. Traditionally, November 1 is the day for honoring dead children and infants, and November 2 is the day for honoring deceased adults.

WHERE IS DAY OF THE DEAD CELEBRATED? People make altars, known as ofrends, in their homes to honor their loved ones who are no longer in the land of the living. Celebrations take place with street parties, parades and festivals. Families come together & clean the graves of their loved ones. The graves are decorate with flowers, candles, & photographs. Families stay up all night in the graveyards socializing & story telling about their dead ancestors. Musicians play music and this is a festive time in an often sad place.

HOW DO PEOPLE CELEBRATE DAY OF THE DEAD? People clean graves and hold overnight vigils in cemeteries. Marigolds are the flowers most often used in celebrations.

Alters, also known as OFRENDAS are set up in home, public places and graveyards to honor the deceased. These ofrendas are colorful and often have food and drink, candles, flowers, sugar skulls and photos.

People make, purchase and trade Sugar Skulls and other sweet treats

WHY DO PEOPLE CELEBRATE THE DEAD? Many people celebrate this holiday to maintain a connection with loved ones who are no longer among the living. It is a day of remembrance and is a loving ritual that is joyful. HOW DO WE AS AMERICANS CELEBRATE OUR DEAD? CAN YOU THINK OF HOLIDAYS OR RITUALS WE HAVE FOR THIS?

We will be using the sugar skull as inspiration for a metal tooling project. You will need to design a 5x5 inch tile design that uses a sugar skull design and can also use other images from Dias de los Muertos. Today you will start planning and sketching your designs. Be creative! You are welcome to use this as a tribute for someone you loved who has passed on or for a famous deceased person fictional or real. Like these: