Halloween is obviously a time for fun, and it can also be a time of cultural celebration and exploration. We encourage parents to talk with their children and think about the characters they pretend to be as they dress in their costume finery!. Things to consider are: Does my costume in any way reinforce a cultural, racial or gender stereotype? Is there any way it could be misinterpreted negatively? If my costume portrays another cultural background, how would a member of that culture feel? Is my costume to scary for our little Owls?
My children spent a part of their childhood in Ecuador, and thus did not experience Halloween as we do in the United States. Although that was difficult for them, we learned about other important holidays and celebrations. “Día de los Muertos”, or All Souls’ Day, was one of those holidays, and one that I personally cherish the most. It is a time to honor and remember loved ones and ancestors who have passed on. I was so impressed by the positive atmosphere that I experienced with people as they celebrated the lives of relatives and friends who were no longer with them. I would experience the holiday through my five senses. First and foremost were the sights I saw. Bright colors everywhere! Flowers and wreaths being sold on the street; fruit baskets all around. Then came the smells - my favorite being the sweet smell of Colada Morada, a thick drink made of blackberries, blueberries, pineapple, cinnamon and cloves. And then there were the sounds of guitars, violins and singing in both the streets and the cemeteries. Finally, the feel of the hugs of all as we remembered the stories of our relatives and ancestors. This was my experience of this wonderful celebration from the time I lived in Ecuador.
As soon as I returned to living in the United States and saw how the holiday was celebrated by our diverse Hispanic population with its great Mexican influences, I began to research, learn about and share my knowledge with my students. I have always created a small altar in my classroom or office as well as shared stories and crafts that celebrate the holiday. So here is my pequeño altar in honor of Día de los Muertos.
