It is believed that The Day of the Dead is when the souls of those who passed away return to visit their living family to nourish themselves with the food and their family’s presence. The Day of the Dead is celebrated amongst the Hispanic community. It’s the time of the year when we celebrate those who are not physically with us anymore; a time of nostalgic memories, while remembering our loved ones that passed away.
Many believe The Day of the Dead is only celebrated on Nov. 2, in reality the celebration starts on Oct. 28, which is when we celebrate the return of the souls to Earth, especially those who passed away in a tragic or violent accident. On Oct. 30 we celebrate the forgotten souls and Oct. 31 we celebrate the children who passed away. The Catholic calendar celebrates Nov. 1 as the ‘Day of all the Saints’ and honors the babies who passed away. Lastly, on Nov. 2 we celebrate the Day of the Dead honoring all who have passed away.
This year, the Latinos Unidos Por Educación club at Cal State Bakersfield gave students the opportunity to celebrate their culture at school.
“The reason why I did the altar at school, for those who can’t at home, can have a place where they can remember their family or friends,” said Victor Guitierrez Hernandez, president of the LUPE club.
LUPE had an altar or ofrenda, set up in the Student Union from Oct. 28 to Nov. 4 giving students an opportunity to honor their loved ones that have passed away.
An altar is something that many Hispanic families do either in their living room or in the cemetery. It is where they add their decorations which can be different depending on what that loved one liked, some use those same decorations and elements to welcome back those who passed away.
All of the elements used in an altar have a significance and a purpose. Water is for the thirst that they might have after the long journey, salt is to purify and to protect the dead for their visit the following year, candles and candlesticks are to illuminate the way to get to their altars, and the number of candles is the number of souls that come to visit. Incense is used to cleanse the altar from bad spirits. The flowers of cempasúchil, also known as the Day of the Dead flowers, helps guide the dead with their sweet smell and bright color. The perforated paper is to decorate but it also represents air, an element of nature. The foods displayed on the altars are usually what the deceased enjoyed. The pictures are the centerpieces for remembering the person or people who died. If the altar is for a child there are toys included to remember them.
