Losing a loved one is
hard for children as well as adults. The finality of it is hard to accept and
the memories they leave behind are all we have to remember them. Many countries
around the world celebrate a holiday called, El Dia
de Los Muertos also known as, the Day of the Dead. This
holiday has been celebrated for over 2500 years and focuses on the souls of
loved ones visiting the living and celebrating the life they lived with food,
music, flowers, pictures and wonderful stories of those that have passed. Dia
de Muertos turns the outlook of death into a celebratory
event full of laughter, thanksgiving and even joyous events like parades! Not
only will you find delicious food in the towns that celebrate but you will also
see many people dressed in skeleton costumes and painted faces like Calavaera
or Sugar Skulls! Many families take days to prepare their ofrenda
or alter with photographs of the deceased, candles, food, orange and yellow
marigolds and even items of their family members. Most will even scatter orange
petals on the ground to guide the other world visitors to their homes or the
cemetery.
What a
beautiful and honorable way to cope as well as commemorate a loved one's life!
Death is a hard concept at any age but with such a lovely holiday it makes it
into a family oriented occasion building a strong bond between family and
friends. If you do not already celebrate Dia
de Muertos maybe it could be a new cultural experience
to share with your family. El Dia de Los Muertos
is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dia-de-Los-Muertos-Crafts-and-Activities-4162753
