The Day of the Dead is celebrated in many Latin American countries and is one of their most important “fiestas”, honoring the loved ones who have passed. The Day of the Dead is not morbid, grotesque or scary; it is not like Halloween; it is a festive celebration of the person’s life.Some of its components date back to the Aztec and Mayan cultures. In many houses people set up a lavishly decorated table (altar) with photos and mementos of the deceased loved ones, as well as flowers, incense and candles.In many houses people set up a lavishly decorated table (altar) with photos and mementos of the deceased loved ones, as well as flowers, incense and candles. In many houses people set up a lavishly decorated table (altar) with photos and mementos of the deceased loved ones, as well as flowers, incense and candles.
For our class celebration, each child brought in a “memory” box to be put on a table in the classroom to create an honoring, festive space.Look through the gallery on the right to see some of the wonderful boxes the students created this year.
How to make a memory box:
1) 1 shoe box (without the top), placed sideways, so it looks like a little stage. 2) Photos (or copies of photos) of dear ones who have passed away.If you don’t have a photo, your child could draw a picture of what they think they looked like. 3) A remembrance, something personal to place in the box, for example:
If grandpa loved car racing you would bring a toy race car.
If grandma liked to knit you would bring in a tiny ball of yarn.
If auntie loved chocolate you would bring a little chocolate.
If uncle loved the zoo your child could draw a picture of a zoo or make one out of beeswax, etc.
4) A little candle or votive, or beeswax model of one. 5) Beautiful things to decorate the box as you wish such as flowers, shells, pebbles, glitter, etc. You could glue on many items.