Amy Perez

Copy Editor

ESU’s English department has a vibrant ofrenda visible as soon as you enter the office. Created by Dr. Jasmine Villa, it is dressed in bright shades of orange and yellow marigolds with sugar skulls throughout. On it you can find many framed pictures of loved ones and offerings, along with large Monarch butterflies looking like their ready for flight, possibly placed as a guide for loved ones on their journeys.

An “ofrenda” is an altar filled with food and drink offerings, pictures, letters and sometimes even tools that are meant to help aid the deceased if the journey to the spirit world is not an easy one. These ofrendas are usually at the gravesite of the deceased but many people tend to set up an altar at home.

In addition, the English department placed small “in memory” slips of paper for students and employees to continue adding to the ofrenda until Nov. 2 if anyone decided to join in on the tradition.

A 3,000 year Mexican tradition, Dia de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is celebrated from Oct. 31 until Nov. 2 each year. Since the start of this holiday, it has captured the hearts of cultures around the world and is largely celebrated here in the United States.

Dia de los Muertos is not to be confused with a Halloween celebration. Instead it should be recognized as a much deeper ritual for those who follow it. In its three days, many people have celebrations of the lives and spirits of loved ones that have passed on.

This is a day about honor and remembrance, and welcoming the dead. Some walk around all dressed up in big colorful dresses and tuxedos with painted faces of the traditional calaveras (skulls) to show their acceptance of the cycle of life and death.

This holiday is not only about the offerings that we place on the beautiful ofrendas that we create for our loved ones. It is about envisioning them moving on in the spirit world with the idea that their spirits are also dancing and eating or drinking our offerings while they celebrate with us.

This tradition is impactful. It allows those who follow it a different perspective on death, the spirit world, grief and healing.

If anyone is curious about learning more or starting their own ofrenda for next year, feel free to learn more about the history of Dia de los Muertos.