In a heartwarming display of cultural appreciation and remembrance, 8th-grade students in Sra. Whicker's Spanish class came together to celebrate "Día De Los Muertos", or the Day of the Dead, today. Celebrated every November 1-2, this traditional Mexican holiday, known for honoring and remembering deceased loved ones, provided a meaningful backdrop for the students to connect with their heritage and reflect on the importance of cherishing the memories of those who have passed on.
The classroom was alive with vibrant colors and lively spirits as students embarked on their Día De Los Muertos journey. One of the central traditions of this celebration is face painting, as students adorned themselves with intricate skull designs, representing the famous calaveras. These beautifully decorated faces were a symbol of the students' willingness to embrace and appreciate the customs of a different culture.
But the heart of Día De Los Muertos lies in the act of remembering, and the students did just that. Each student wrote heartwarming messages and tributes to the loved ones they were commemorating. These touching letters allowed them to express their gratitude, love, and remembrance for those who were no longer with them. It was an experience that helped the students appreciate the importance of connecting with their roots and understanding the significance of Día De Los Muertos.
No cultural celebration would be complete without food, and in this case, it was the delicious “pan de muerto” that took center stage. This sweet, doughy bread, adorned with bone-shaped decorations, was a hit among the students, giving them a taste of the rich Mexican culinary heritage. A parent also provided some authentic buñuelos for first period's class. Pan de muerto is from a from Mexican bakery in Indianapolis and buñuelos from a parent contribution.
"My favorite movie is called 'The Book of Life' and it centers around Día De Los Muertos. Celebrating in class helps me understand it a little bit more," said one student. When asked if this was a sad occasion, another student said, "I think it's not sad or happy. It's all in how you look at it. You're sad that they're gone but happy when you think of the memories."
Sra. Whicker's Spanish class's Día De Los Muertos celebration wasn't just about participating in colorful traditions, but also about connecting with the deeper meaning of the holiday. With help from families, students brought in photos of their loved ones for the “ofrenda,” where students could see pictures of the loved ones that their classmates were remembering. It provided the students with a unique opportunity to explore their roots, appreciate the significance of remembering loved ones, and embrace the beauty of a different culture's traditions.
As the day came to a close, these 8th-grade students left the classroom with hearts full of appreciation, painted faces, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. They had not only celebrated a beautiful tradition but had also learned the importance of commemorating those who have touched their lives, keeping their memories alive through love, art, and shared experiences. Sra. Whicker's classes truly made Día De Los Muertos a memorable and enriching experience, illustrating that cultural celebrations are a powerful tool for learning and connecting with others.
**Huge shout-out to the PCMS PTO! PCMS PTO helped sponsor the experience for students with a grant to Sra. Whicker's class. These grant opportunities can be extremely helpful to teachers in creating memorable experiences for students!