but this tradition also reminds us to accept that death Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a time to happily remember our friends, family and pets who have died. And also, to remember our sadness. WE ALL FEAR DEATH, but this tradition also reminds us to accept that death is part of life, and to appreciate what it means to be alive.

It is said that everyone has three deaths. Is It Possible to Be Happy and Sad at the Same Time? Can you be happy for the good memories of someone you loved and, sad because they are gone? It is said that everyone has three deaths. When the body dies, the life force is gone. When the body is buried, it returns to the earth, and is no longer, physically, with us. The final death is being forgotten. Dia de los Muertos is a 2 day period filled with art, symbols and gatherings of family and friends to remember their loved ones. Often, humor is used.

Decorating skulls with colorful, symmetrical designs is one art activity. Decorated sweets (sugar skulls) is one of the traditional foods made and displayed for the deceased.

People make pictures of skeletons doing normal things. What do you see these skeleton people doing?

sculptures in all sizes. People also make sculptures in all sizes.

Sometimes famous people are remembered Sometimes famous people are remembered. Like Frida Kahlo, Marilyn Monroe, and (who?)

& other symbolic objects. People also build community displays, or altars, to remember their loved ones. Altars are ARTISTIC displays of photos, flowers, food, arts and crafts, candles, & other symbolic objects.

What is your skeleton going to be doing? We are going to create a project and learn how to construct skeletons. What is your skeleton going to be doing? What is going to be in the background? You can decorate your skeleton with clothes, hair, hats And jewelry. She or he can be holding something. They can be playing a sport, at a party, cleaning the house, or doing anything normal. Your only limitation is your imagination.

We are going to contribute art to an Altar or Display for Dia de Los Muertos. We will make the symbolic objects out of various art materials. Decorated skulls, marigold flowers (whose strong color and fragrance guide the spirits), Monarch butterflies (migrating now, they carry the souls), paper banners and candles which flutter in the breeze (as if the spirits are floating by).

Be good and Do good.