On Nov. 7 Skyline College’s Anthropology club and L.A.S.O. teamed up to bring students a unique Dia De Los Muertos celebration, transforming the Multicultural Center into a shrine paying homage to lost loved ones. The Skyline community was invited to learn about the Aztec tradition and partake in a celebration of the cycle of life.
The ancient Aztec Festival of the Dead from which the modern celebration originates was based around the belief that the underworld, or Mictlan is a peaceful realm where souls rested. Unlike the dark and morbid images seen in today’s media, the dead would rest in Mictlan until the annual visit to the living world.
“Dia De Los Muertos is a cherished tradition in Latin culture,” shared Anthropology club President Shawn-Kayln Edwards as she greeted guests. “We wanted to do a Day of the Dead event to show that death isn’t just a time for mourning. It’s something that can be celebrated to honor our loved ones who have gone.”
Traditionally celebrated in conjunction with the catholic observances of All Souls and All Saints Days, Dia De los Muertos is now a two-day event that is commemorated in nations around the world. Wednesday’s event marked the second consecutive year the Anthropology club and L.A.S.O. has honored the event.
Visitors were drawn in by the elaborate colors and decorations surrounding the exhibit. Information was placed around the event for everyone to learn more about Dia de los Muertos and get in the spirit of the tradition.
With his face painted in traditional Day of the Dead fashion, event organizer and Skyline student Jason Thomas gave visitors an opportunity to experience this crown jewel of Latino tradition. Although Thomas is not Latino himself, he says that learning about the Aztec philosophies behind such celebrations has helped him in the grieving process for the friends he has lost over the years.
“The great thing about Day of the Dead is that it’s not a sad day. It’s a day of celebration,” Thomas said as he described his alter dedicated to the memory of his friends Andy and Shawn. The display included an offering of two Starbucks Double Shot cans Thomas said were his friend Shawn’s drink of choice and a picture of Andy sporting a big smile. Offerings are traditionally included in alters and shrines that serve to showcase the likes, dislikes, and personalities of the deceased.
“I think it’s great that groups on campus put these events together,” said Min Tan, a Skyline student. He added, “It shows the diversity we have here and it’s a great way to teach students about the Latin culture.”
(This article photo has been updated to correctly show the right photo and audio slideshow of the event has also been added.)
