DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

Students learned about the Mexican Holiday, DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, or Day of the Dead.  Day of the Dead honors loved ones who have passed away and the celebration occurs on November 1st and 2nd.  Families gather together to prepare special foods and pick marigold flowers.  They set beautiful tables with the flowers and family photos and often take the flowers and food to the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried.  It is also common in this culture to make skulls or dolls in commemoration of the loved one.  Students drew a symmetrical skull and embellished it with shapes, pattern and a lot of color.  If they knew of a loved one who had passed, they included the name in the art.  4th grade had an opportunity to paint miniature skulls.  They did a fantastic job creating colorful designs and patterns in honor of this special holiday.  Art Smart words: Skeleton, marigold, symmetry, embellish, commemoration.