¡ Día de los Muertos at ChathamU!
Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a holiday in many Spanish-speaking countries that takes place on November 1 and 2. Chatham is hosting its own Día de los Muertos celebration on Monday October 21 from 3:30-5:00 pm in the Jennie King Mellon Library, room 103. We talked with research librarian, Jocelyn Codner and faculty member, Mildred Lòpez to find out more about the history and observance of this special tradition.
How did Dia de los Muertos begiN and how is it observed traditionally?
This celebration has its roots in the traditions of indigenous cultures in parts of Mexico and South America. With the arrival of Hispanic colonizers, this celebration was embedded and merged with the Catholic celebration of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Currently, Día de los Muertos has become a tradition incorporating both indigenous and Hispanic practices. On the Day of the Dead, loved ones honor their dead relatives and celebrate their memories. Traditionally, the living prepare their lost loved ones’ favorite foods, listen to their favorite music, and share fond memories.
How is dia de los muertos being celebrated at Chatham this year?
We’ll build a communal altar for the Day of the Dead, following a specific traditional order and explaining the cultural significance of each item placed there. Students will craft handmade cempasuchil paper flowers, which will be used as a personal ofrenda (offering) to be placed on the altar. We’ll have a conversation about remembering departed loved ones, and taste delicious Mexican hot chocolate and pan de muerto (a special sweet bread), both prepared following traditional Mexican recipes.
There will also be Day of the Dead presentations by our Spanish-language courses. During last year’s Day of the Dead event, students from Mildred López’s LNG 161 and LNG 261 classes prepared an informative presentation for the attending students and faculty about the origin of the festivity. The Day of the Dead cultural activity is part of the Spanish Language curricula for the Fall Semester.
Are there additional resources available for students who have more questions about grief and loss?
Chatham will also be hosting a workshop and discussion on grief led by Counseling Services on November 7, from 4:00-5:15 pm in JKM Library, room 103. This free event is open to anyone, and will include refreshments, crafts, and a discussion on how different cultures remember their departed. Please click here for more information.
We hope to see you at the Dia de los Muertos celebration on Monday October 21 from 3:30-5:00 pm in the Jennie King Mellon Library, room 103, and the Counseling Services workshop on November 7, from 4:00-5:15 pm in JKM Library, room 103.