Dia de los Muertos is a tradition in Mexico, parts of the United States and Latin America. Where is Mexico? Where is Latin America?

Similar traditions are also celebrated in parts of Europe, Asia and in some Native American cultures. In what other subject that you study in school do we use maps and learn about countries?

Customs Around the World In the USA, most people avoid talking about death Many other cultures around the world have rituals for remembering loved ones. Many other cultures have similar rituals involving the lighting of lamps or candles and laying out food and drinks Even ancient Egyptians had similar traditions or remembering loved ones

Dia de los Muertos Is a time to remember the good and happy times that we had with our ancestors. It’s ok to miss people who have passed away. It’s a time to honor their memory with tributes in art and celebration to them.

Most celebrations include: Decoration and family gathering at cemetery Special foods Ofrendas (offerings) on altars Calacas (skeletons) honoring the ancestor Sugar skulls Often there are fireworks!

In many regions, November 1 is dedicated to the remembrance of deceased infants and children Adults are honored November 2

Floral wreaths and crosses

Pan de Muertos

Procession to the cemetery

Many towns have parades including processions on horseback

Graves are cleaned by the families. Flowers, candles and music are everywhere.

Folk Art Calacas and sugar skulls are a type of folk art. Art that is traditionally made from craftsmen and townspeople.

Calacas Skeletons are often shown in everyday activities which depict a dead person’s profession or interests. The calacas are often placed on altars. This shows the spirit that he has not been forgotten.

Sugar Skulls Children are given sugar skulls with their names written on the forehead!

Focal Point or Center of Interest (Attention) What is your eye drawn to first? What do you notice first? What is the most predominant subject in the piece?

Our Project 1.Design a skull with pencil on white paper as the center of interest (attention) to the piece. 2.Think about what ancestor you would like to honor with this project (grandma, pet, grandpa, aunt, mom, stepdad, brother, etc). 3.Add designs to the skull that are meaningful to you to honor your ancestor. 4.Outline in marker and add color. 5.Background: Pick 4 words that describe your ancestor that you are honoring. 6.Use four different colors of marker (maybe their favorite colors?) to add the words to your background. 7.You may make one of each of the words larger than the others for emphasis. 8.Use your repetition of the word to fill your background.