Wednesday, December 3, 2014

NLSC Members attend Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration

The images that often portray the Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) are skeletons and colorful skulls that resemble Halloween. Unlike Halloween, one of America’s most profitable and celebrated holiday, Dia de los Muertos, rooted in Catholicism, is celebrated throughout Mexico, Central America, and South America on November 1st and 2nd and commemorates deceased family members and friends.


NLSC Members listened to an informative talk by renowned Mexican author Sandra Cisneros who built an altar, A Room of Her Own: My Mother’s Altar. The special tribute included candles, a doll, sweets, unique antiques, and flowers to honor her mother as well as her interests in life. For Dia de los Muertos, many altars are filled with objects that love ones adored and serve to honor their lives. Cisneros’ perspective on the Dia de los Muertos and honoring family resonated as a universal message to attendees. While the initial images of the celebration may show a resemblance to Halloween the holiday is not about costumes nor trick or treat. Instead, the holiday is one of paying homage to family and friends.


The celebrations vary depending on the country or even the city but the premise is the same. Here in Washington, DC, the Smithsonian Museum of American Indian hosted a Dia de los Muertos celebration on November 1, 2014 where Members of the National Language Service Corps (NLSC) D.C. Regional Chapter attended to learn about the celebration.

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