DIAS DE LOS MUERTOS: DAY OF THE DEAD
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HOME PROJECTS
Choose from three home projects:
Paper Flowers
Sugar Skulls
Paper Banner
Choose from three recipes:
Pan de Muertos
Mole Estilo Oaxaca
Tamales
To view a class project for Dias de los Muertos, click here.
To view student and teacher resources for Dias de los Muertos, click here.
For a vocabulary list related to Dias de los Muertos, click here
Dias de los Muertos is celebrated throughout Mexico and the Southwest states; it is a three day celebration to honor loved ones who have died. November 1st is considered the Dia de los Angelitos - the day to remember children that have died, November 2nd is the traditional Dia de los Muertos (day of the dead). During this time it is believed that the spirits of dead loved ones return hime to their welcoming families. It is a joyous occassion a time when families show their love and respect for their ancestors and a time for reunion with the living.
Pictures of the deceased are placed on home altars, ofrenda, along with the deads favorite food and drink; candles light their way home; soap and water are placed so their are able to freshen-up; trinkets are there that they were fond of; symbols that they would understand; and gifts are also often placed on altars. Communicating that they are always in the hearts of those that they left behind. Dias de los Muertos is a time of joy, knowing that you are surrounded by those that you love - both living and dead.
People often compare Dias de los Muertos to Halloween, and while at first glance there may appear to be a similarity. In truth the two celebrations are quite different. Halloween is a European holiday that is based on the concept of death, which is vastly different from the original Aztec meaning. The Aztec belief was very similar to the Aboriginal beliefs of Australia, life was considered to be a dream and when you die, you awake to your real life.
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