by Riley Wootten, junior editor
FAIRHOPE, Ala.— On November 1, Sarah Holt’s Spanish classes honored past loved ones through Ofrendas, altars that are decorated with their possessions and pictures. The hands-on lesson educates students about the Spanish holiday and tradition.
This tradition, originated in Mexico, has since spread to other countries where people celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed in connection to the Spanish holiday, Day of the Dead, Nov 1-2.
“I think this assignment to bring in a picture of a loved one or a role model who has passed has brought a real world connection to students and allowed them to interact with the culture and tradition as an American and bring the lesson to life,” Holt said.
This interactive assignment grants the students a way to celebrate loved ones while learning more about the Day of the Dead holiday.
“I decided to choose a picture of my friend Alana who took her life this past March to spread awareness about suicide prevention and to get her story out there to honor her and celebrate her life,” said Briar Garner, freshman.
This assignment is much more than a project and has spread awareness and respect to students who have dealt with suicidal loss and those who suffer with grief and the loss of a loved one.
“Both of my grandfathers passed around June and July so I thought it would be nice to honor them and place their picture on our class’s Ofrenda because I think they would have liked it and it gives me the opportunity to celebrate their life,” said Mary Alice Cannizo, sophomore.
Students explored Spanish culture and learned a different approach to grieving. To further their learning, students also watched the movie Coco to gain a theoretical perspective on the holiday, a happy occasion that commemorates a sad one.
“I chose my grandmother’s memorial picture because it captures how lively she was and this assignment is really cool to me because instead of grieving the loss of family and friends it’s more of a celebration and remembrance of their lives,” said Peyton Ruffner, senior.
This project has also created a space for American students to celebrate loved ones that have passed rather than grieve their loss.
