A traditional Dia de Los Muertos ofrenda - offerings on the Day of the Dead – will be set up in the University Center on the Webster Groves campus for full display on Nov.2. Students are encouraged to see the display and read about what it means to many cultures. Students can also participate by leaving copies of photos of lost loved ones or pictures of items that represent things their loved ones enjoyed while they were alive.

The display will be built on Nov. 1 and taken down early Nov. 3.

The Traditions Explained

Dia de Los Muertos is a two-day festival that takes place on November 1^st and November 2^nd. The holiday originated in Mexico, but it is celebrated all over Latin American and in the Western and Southwestern states of the United States.

The overall purpose for the event is to remind people that death is a part of the human experience and to celebrate those that have died. The event is designed to be colorful and joyful as it is believed that the dead would be offended by grieving and sadness, so families need to honor them with happiness and joy instead.  

This festival involves cleaning and decorating the graves of loved ones, and creating an ofrenda, which is a memorial or altar with their pictures, candles, salt, water, and their favorite things that they enjoyed in life, such as food, drinks, and music.

The Mexican culture created special sweet treats for this holiday such as, pan de muertos (bread of the dead),  and Calaveras de azucar or "sugar skulls", often decorated in bright colors. Also, tiny candies are left for the dead on the ofrendas.

During Dia de Los Muertos, Calacas (skeletons) and Calaveras (skulls) are represented in a variety of forms, from colorful masks and makeup to posters and decorative figurines to welcome and remember their deceased loved ones. One of the most popular symbols of the holiday is the image of a tall female skeleton wearing a fancy hat with feathers called the Catrina. They are a specific type of Calaveras, well-dressed, wealthy women of the early 20th century. However, according to the urban legend, the Catrina’s roots come from the Aztec death goddess Mictecacihuatl. They believed the goddess served the same purpose as the Catrina does today, to honor and protect those who passed away and to symbolize the connection that Mexican culture has with the death. 

 Ofrendas always have specific elements:

There should be two to three levels. The lowest level represents the “earth” and is where items that represent what the loved one did or what they loved to do had in their lives are left. This level should have a rug or blanket present so that the soul of the loved one can rest after their long journey from the beyond while they visit family during the holiday.

The second level should include edible items so that the loved ones can replenish after their long journey. This level must include a cup of water and some salt to help them regain energy. Often favorite snacks, such as peanuts, fruits or candies are left for the dead.

The top level represents “heaven” or “the beyond” and should be where photos of the loved ones are proudly displayed, often surrounded by colorful decorations and flowers.

Other important elements that can be included are:

• Paper in the form of Papel Picado or tissue paper flowers/or fake flowers
• A cross
• Candles
• Calaveras (skulls)
• Music – often a favorite recording or traditional folk song

How to Participate

Students are encouraged to participate by leaving photos or items that represent their loved ones who they have lost. Because this is a display in a public place, students should not leave any valuable items or family heirlooms. Instead, students can leave photocopies of photos of their relatives and friends. They are encouraged to the loved one’s name and even a brief biography, if they so chose.

If no photo is available, then leaving pictures of items that remind them of their loved ones would be welcome. Photos or items should include a brief description that explains who is being remembered and/or what the items represent to them.

Items can be left at the ofrenda starting the afternoon of Nov. 1 through the evening of Nov. 2. The ofrenda will be dismantled the morning of Nov. 3.

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