1. Celebrating Diá de los Muertos
Presented by Marcy Gutierrez
Art Teacher Jefferson High School
San Antonio Independent School District

2. What is it?
Los Dia de los Muertos, (the Day of the Dead), is a traditional Mexico holiday honoring the dead. Los Dias de los Muertos is not a sad time, but instead a time of remembering and rejoicing. The souls of those who died make a long journey home. To honor and welcome them, offerings are prepared. Gravesites are cleaned and decorated. It is a time of great festivity and reunion.

3. When is it?
It is celebrated every year at the same time as Halloween and the Christian holy days of All Saints Day and All Souls Day (November 1st and 2nd).

4. Where is it celebrated?
It is celebrated in Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, and other areas in Central and South America populated with the Latino ethnic background. The Day of the Dead is also celebrated in areas of the United States, such as California, Texas, and many others, in which the Mexican/American heritage exists.

5. Diá de los Muertos Traditions; what do they mean?

6. Ofrenda/Altars
In the homes families arrange ofrenda's or "altars" with flowers, bread, fruit and candy. Pictures of the deceased family members are added. In the late afternoon special all night burning candles are lit - it is time to remember the departed - the old ones, their parents and grandparents.
Altars should include:
A picture of the one being  remembered
Items they were fond of
Something to snack on
Candles
Flowers
Gifts

7. Papel Picado
Papel Picado is a traditional art used to decorate homes, businesses, markets and altars in preparation for the Day of the Dead.
The thin tissue paper images are usually cut in large quantities and hung in repetitious patterns.
is a traditional art used to decorate homes, businesses, markets and altars in preparation for the Day of the Dead.

8. Sugar Skulls and Pan de Muertos
A sweet bread, pan de los Muertos, with decorations representing bones of the deceased is very popular as are sugar skulls. They are laid out on the altar for the Lost loved one.
The custom of having a loaf of bread relates to the early custom in Spain of begging for souls.

9. Flowers
During los Dias de los Muertos the yellow marigold symbolizes the short duration of life.
Other flowers commonly seen during this celebration include the white amaryllis, wild orchids, baby's breath and ruby coxcombs are offered as adornment and enticement for the returning spirits.
Wreaths made of flowers, both real and plastic, are often placed on the grave sites.

10. Skeleton
Skeletons and skulls are found everywhere. Chocolate skulls, marzipan coffins, and white chocolate skeletons.
Handmade skeleton figurines, called calacas, are especially popular. Calacas usually show an active and joyful afterlife. Figures of musicians, generals on horseback, even skeletal brides, in their white bridal gowns marching down the aisles with their boney grooms.

11. Calavera Face Painting
Candles
During the festivities many people assume the role of the Calavera. By painting their face.
Candles are used to light the way for the loved one to find their way back home.

12. Student Internet Inquiry Activity
Questions for students to research on the Internet
What is the difference between Halloween and the Day of the Dead?
List five of the preparations for the celebration.  Use the Spanish vocabulary when possible.
Now learn about a Mexican artist who is associated with the Day of the Dead, José Guadalupe Posada.  Where was he from and what was his profession?
Visit a few of his Calavera sites found on the same page.  Describe Posada's calaveras.
What is the role of the calavera in Dia De los muertos?
Explain why death was not feared in the pre-Hispanic cultures of Mexico.
What significance did the dog have in the role of death?
How did the Christian concept of dead contrast with that of the native population in Mexico?
What is celebrated on November 1?
What is celebrated on November 2?

13. Art Activities
Model magic skulls

14. Paper Mache Calaveras
Model magic Calaveras

15. The calavera’s coffin Sewing Calaveras
Calavera foam pins with Milagros
The calavera’s coffin
Sewing Calaveras

16. Calavera images for inspiration

17. Internet Websites http://www.inside-mexico.com/noes.htm
Common Misconceptions About the Day of the Dead Celebrations  by May Herz
Crayola
Day of the Dead information for teachers and students
Discovery education
PBS – Food for the Ancestors
PBS KIDS
Teacher vision

18. Pan de Muertos Recipe
1 1/2 cups flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon of anise seed 2 packets of dry yeast 1/2 cup of milk 1/2 cup of water 1/2 cup of butter 4 eggs from /2 cups of flour
Mix all dry ingredients together except the /2 cups of flour. In a small pan, heat the milk, the water, and the butter. Add the liquid mixture to the dry mixture. Beat well. Mix in the eggs and 1 1/2 cups of flour. Beat well. Put in the rest of the flour, little by little. Knead the mixture on a floured board for 9-10 minutes. Put the dough in a greased bowl and allow it to rise until it has doubled in size (about an hour and a half at sea level). Punch the dough down and reshape it with some "bone" shapes on top to decorate it. Let it rise another hour. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 40 minutes. After baking, sprinkle it with confectioner's sugar and colored sugar.