DAY OF THE DEAD DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS Day of the Dead in Mexico represents a mixture of Christian devotion and pre-Hispanic traditions and beliefs. As a result of this mixture, the celebration comes to life as a unique Mexican tradition, comparable to the Christian holy day, ”All Soul’s Day”. Family members set up a table or platform in honor of the deceased relatives, decorating it with papel picado, candles, flowers, photographs of the departed, candy skulls inscribed with the name of the deceased, and a selection of his or her favorite foods and beverages. The latter often includes cups of atole (corn gruel), coffee and fresh water, as well as platters of rice,beans,chicken or meat in mole sauce, candied pumpkin or sweet potatoes and "bread of the dead"(pan de muerto). In setting up the table, a designated area of the home is cleared of its normal furnishings. The arrangement often consists of a table and several overturned wooden crates placed in tiers and covered with clean linens. Items are then laid out in an artistic and fairly symmetrical fashion. November 1 is set aside for the remembrance of deceased infants and children, often referred to as angelitos (little angels). Those who died as adults are honored on November 2. OFRENDA PROJECT Your project is to select a well-known historical figure, a relative, or an ancestor, and build an ofrenda, or memory box, to honor him or her. This should be someone you not only truly admire, but someone you can find enough information on to be able to present a full picture of his or her life. In other words, more than the” People Magazine” version. Your ofrenda should be neat, colorful, original and dedicated to the person you are honoring. Include photos and artifacts--real or representations-that you select with care. To ensure that your ofrenda is authentic, you must include a candle, food (real or play) that the deceased enjoyed, tissue paper or other decorations and items that remind you of the person. You should include artifacts that truly represent the deceased, and that have meaning. Along with your ofrenda, you will submit a one-page paper describing your honoree and explaining the artifacts you included. All papers must be 100% original. You will not need to cite your sources, but you must have written the entire paper in your own words. Proofread carefully! Presentations will begin on Monday, Oct.29.
PAPER: 50 POINTS 1 page minimum, typed Fully describes the honored person Fully describes the significance of each artifact Grammar and spelling are correct
PRESENTATION: 50 POINTS Is not "read" to the audience Maintains solemn, respectful tone Speaks knowledgably and conversationally about the deceased Explains the relevance of everything included in the ofrenda Speaks for at least 2 minutes