Dear Parents of Spanish I/II/III Students,
This month Spanish students will be learning about a tradition in Spanish-speaking countries called, “Los Días de los Muertos” or “The Days of the Dead.” You may have heard of this Mexican holiday observed between October 31st and November 2nd , during which time people remember and vigorously honor the memory, the spirit, if you will, of their deceased loved ones. In this holiday, given the diverse background of the people of Mexico, it is easy to identify elements of their European heritage in the influences of the Celtic and Roman cultures, as well as the Christian holy days of All Saints Day and All Souls Day, but flavored with some added ingredients derived from the stunning Aztec civilization which dominated Mexico’s pre-Columbian era.
Although Los Días de los Muertos is celebrated at the same time as our Halloween, its intent is not to promote being frightened of death or the darkness of night every October 31st, but rather to laugh at death in the secure belief in the life hereafter. The idea that death is nothing to fear is very much central to the theme of this holiday.
Your child will offer to the class an original essay on the life of a loved one who has passed on to the next life. This essay will require research, time during which the student will need to not only note all personal memories of this family member or family friend, but, more often than not, will need to interview older family members (aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, great-grandparents) for their memories of the honored loved one, the facts of his/her life; what was this person really like?
Interviews may be considered personal visits as well as phone calls conducted by your student to the different family members. This part of the research will require your cooperation and patience as it will take time to gather information, possibly more than one interview per interviewee. STUDENTS SHOULD INTERVIEW AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE!) However, through this interaction of generations, your child should learn much appreciation for the great heritage of family, as well as perhaps a new respect for members of an older generation.
Other requirements for this project are a framed picture of the loved one, a pillar candle on a base, and a recipe of his/her favorite food, as well as a prepared dish of that recipe. We will have an ofrenda (table) in the classroom on which will sit, along with these pictures, candles, reports, and recipes, paper flowers of all colors, handmade by the students.
**DUE DATES FOR THIS PROJECT TO BE DETERMINED CLOSER TO PROJECT!
Deadline #1: Proof of Research Accomplished:
For example, notes indicating research done by student- dates, times, and subject matter of interviews- enough research to sustain a 2-3 page typed paper.
NO more than 5 pages!
(WORTH ONE TEST SCORE; MINUS 10 POINTS FOR EVERY DAY LATE WHETHER STUDENT IS ABSENT OR NOT!)
Deadline #2: Rough draft of essay, 14/Elephant font, 2-3 pages typed paper.
No more than 5 pages!
(WORTH ONE TEST SCORE; MINUS 10 POINTS FOR EVERY DAY LATE WHETHER STUDENT IS ABSENT OR NOT!)
Also: 1 pillar candle with base on which to sit
1 framed picture of loved one
1 typed recipe of dish to be served on our “Day of the Dead” day.
Deadline #3:
Oral presentations in class by individual students as assigned.
(WORTH ONE TEST SCORE; MINUS 10 POINTS FOR EVERY DAY LATE!)
Also: 1 prepared recipe of your loved one’s favorite dish, with a serving utensil!
Sra. A will be responsible for plates, eating utensils, and napkins.
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On (Date TBD) students will begin their Day of the Dead presentations. You are invited to come to the classroom to witness this very moving ceremony. For now, I invite you to read the enclosed offering entitled, “Common Misconceptions About the Day of the Dead Celebrations.” Given the diverse opinions of the traditional Halloween custom of our culture, some of you may find answers to questions you might have about this traditional custom of another culture. **A schedule will be sent home to advise you of what day your student will be presenting. However, if you have questions, please contact me: [email protected].
I invite you to read the article below entitled,
"Common Misconceptions About The Day of the Dead" celebration!
Muchísimas gracias,
Sra. Anderson
What is This Holiday Really About?
- It is not the Mexican version of Halloween. Mexicans have celebrated the Day of the Dead since the year 1800 B.C.
- It is not scary or morbid. There are no images of dead people, ghosts, witches, or the devil.
- It is not a cult. This ritual has nothing to do with cults. It is a Catholic Christian ritual intermixed with folk culture.
- Going to mass is an essential aspect of this celebration.
- It doesn't honor death, but our dead relatives. We welcome the opportunity to reflect upon our lives, our heritage, our
ancestors and the meaning and purpose of our own existence.
- Altars or ofrendas are not for worshiping but for offering our love and remembering our departed family members.
- It is not a sad ritual. It's a day of happiness because we will be remembering our loved ones. Although when in the graveyard, people assume an introspective attitude.
- It is about Love not Fear.
- It is not a "strange" ritual. It is very similar to going to a grave and leaving flowers or stuffed animals, lighting a candle to remember the deceased.
- It is not a careless or fearless confrontation of death. It is a moment to reflect upon one's life and the cycle of life and death.