Students in Trine University’s Spanish minor partnered with students in the Study
Abroad Club to celebrate the Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos) on Nov. 1 and 2.
The students created two different altars, which were placed in the university’s Student
Services Office, to celebrate the holiday.
The Study Abroad Club students provided paper butterflies and invited Trine students
to write the names of their beloved deceased on them. The students hung about 130
of the butterflies on the wall above one of the altars in the shape of two hearts.
The Spanish minor students brought pictures and personal items to honor their beloved
deceased, and decorated the altar with marigold flowers and skulls, which are traditional
for the holiday.
“It was beautiful,” said Ana Boman, Spanish lecturer.
The second altar celebrated famous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, and was decorated
with her pictures, paintings and other mementos.
Originating in Mexico and now recognized in other nations, the Day of the Dead honors
friends and family members who have died. Typically celebrated from Oct. 31 to Nov.
2, the holiday includes traditions such as home altars featuring favorite foods of
those being honored.