Is culture the way you think, act and interact?
On this page I am going to focus on culture, which will be integrated throughout the semester in thematic themes. We will explore, describe, and discuss holidays celebrated in Spanish speaking countries and our own communities. What are the reasons for these celebrations? What traditions are practiced for the different celebrations?
We will understand cultural perspectives on holidays and special events. Also, we will describe ways in which our family's traditions and customs may differ from those of other students in the U.S. and/or Spanish-speaking countries.
On this page I am going to focus on culture, which will be integrated throughout the semester in thematic themes. We will explore, describe, and discuss holidays celebrated in Spanish speaking countries and our own communities. What are the reasons for these celebrations? What traditions are practiced for the different celebrations?
We will understand cultural perspectives on holidays and special events. Also, we will describe ways in which our family's traditions and customs may differ from those of other students in the U.S. and/or Spanish-speaking countries.
IB Students collaborating with ESL students to share their heritage and what they learned.
SAN VALENTIN
LA NAVIDAD Y EL DIA DE REYES
Noche Cultural- Compartiendo nuestra cultura
Celebrando el amor y la amistad
Nuestro primer paseo del año-Explorando la gastronomía colombiana y jugando en el parque.
La Navidad
CULTURA-Día de Muertos
YO SOY-IDENTIDADES
El Arte- IB Spanish
Hispanos Famosos- Mes de la Herencia Hispana
Learning Stations-Learning can take place any where.
Learning and celebrating Dia de los Muertos
Learning Salsa & Bachata
IB Spanish-2020
Art Exhibit-Diploma candidates
Art Exhibit-Diploma candidates
Exploring Frida and Diego IB & AP Spanish-Spring 2019
Renzo Ortega -What I left and What I Brought
AP & IB Spanish exploring, reflecting and appreciating contemporary art.
IB Spanish collaborating with French IB to create our first mural.
Nuestro Mural
Así celebramos las fiestas y los dias festivos en Latino America e España
Essential questions:
1. How are people a reflection of their culture?
2. How is the culture a reflection of its people?
3. How does language influence interactions between groups of people?
4. How are a culture’s values reflected in its celebrations?
5. Do celebratory practices reflect the true meaning of the holiday?
6. What role do family members play in cultural celebrations?
To begin, you will complete a quick write or other pre-activity. For each subsequent skill, you must complete each task for each celebration which will give you the necessary resources to master and complete the unit assessment.
Fiestas de cumpleaños:
Let's begin with Las Piñatas, they are so popular in the United States, especially for children's birthday parties. In case you didn't know, they are a decorated hollow container stuffed with treats (candy, fruits some times money) and toys. They may be made with a balloon or a cardboard box as a base, which is covered with paper-mâché or homemade glue wrapped with colorful tissue paper.
Pre-Activity
Quick Write: Write a paragraph describing how you celebrate a birthday party, including which family members are present, the foods served, and traditional activities you participate in.
Video- 6 Grados de Separaciona: The following video gives a good overview of pinata history. When finished,
we will briefly discuss/explain the history of the piñata.
Así celebramos las fiestas y los dias festivos en Latino America e España
Essential questions:
1. How are people a reflection of their culture?
2. How is the culture a reflection of its people?
3. How does language influence interactions between groups of people?
4. How are a culture’s values reflected in its celebrations?
5. Do celebratory practices reflect the true meaning of the holiday?
6. What role do family members play in cultural celebrations?
To begin, you will complete a quick write or other pre-activity. For each subsequent skill, you must complete each task for each celebration which will give you the necessary resources to master and complete the unit assessment.
Fiestas de cumpleaños:
Let's begin with Las Piñatas, they are so popular in the United States, especially for children's birthday parties. In case you didn't know, they are a decorated hollow container stuffed with treats (candy, fruits some times money) and toys. They may be made with a balloon or a cardboard box as a base, which is covered with paper-mâché or homemade glue wrapped with colorful tissue paper.
Pre-Activity
Quick Write: Write a paragraph describing how you celebrate a birthday party, including which family members are present, the foods served, and traditional activities you participate in.
Video- 6 Grados de Separaciona: The following video gives a good overview of pinata history. When finished,
we will briefly discuss/explain the history of the piñata.
It is believed that the Spanish colonists made the seven-pointed star-shaped piñatas to symbolize the seven deadly sins and to introduce their religion to the indigenous people, who had a similar tradition celebrating the birthday of the Aztec god of war, Huitzilopochtli. Click on the following links for more information:
History of the piñata
Piñata History & Folklore
El origen de las piñatas
El origen de la piñata
PIÑATAS MUCHO MÁS QUE UN JUEGO DE NIÑOS
With a partner, read History of the piñata or any of the links above. Fill out a Note Taking Organizer,writing down the main idea from the website in the left column. Write three or more sentences that support this main idea in the second column. Then, 1)Describe when and why piñatas are used. 2) Describe why piñatas are important to Mexican culture.
Creating the Piñata
We will watch the video, How to make a 5 cone Piñata to get ideas for a design and learn how to make a Piñata. Brainstorm out loud some ideas for your pinata and decide with your group on your design. Then, follow instructions on creating your piñata!
Materials: You will need one balloon, newspaper, flour, water, craft glue, crepe paper/tissue paper, birthday party hats, paint brushes, scissors, string and candy.
History of the piñata
Piñata History & Folklore
El origen de las piñatas
El origen de la piñata
PIÑATAS MUCHO MÁS QUE UN JUEGO DE NIÑOS
With a partner, read History of the piñata or any of the links above. Fill out a Note Taking Organizer,writing down the main idea from the website in the left column. Write three or more sentences that support this main idea in the second column. Then, 1)Describe when and why piñatas are used. 2) Describe why piñatas are important to Mexican culture.
Creating the Piñata
We will watch the video, How to make a 5 cone Piñata to get ideas for a design and learn how to make a Piñata. Brainstorm out loud some ideas for your pinata and decide with your group on your design. Then, follow instructions on creating your piñata!
Materials: You will need one balloon, newspaper, flour, water, craft glue, crepe paper/tissue paper, birthday party hats, paint brushes, scissors, string and candy.
La pinata infografia: Aqui puedes leer sobre los principales simbolos y significados sobre esta tradición.
Art and Culture
“Every time I paint it serves a purpose—to bring about pride in our Mexican American culture.” Carmen Lomas Garza
Artist's Background
Carmen Lomas Garza was born in Kingsville, Texas in 1948. Her family emigrated to the Unites States in order to escape the tribulations of the Mexican Revolution early in this century. She is the second child of five children.
At a very early age she wanted to pursue her dream of becoming an artist. Her family supported her endeavors.
Her mother, who inspired Lomas Garza, was also an artist. Lomas Garza received her M.A. from San Francisco State University. Much of Lomas Garza's work focuses on the traditions and daily activities in Mexican-American culture.
To learn more click here
TASK#1 Lets look at Carmen Lomas Garza art and answer the following questions:
1. What is going on in this picture? Describe everything you see.
2. What are the people in this painting doing?
3. What is the central figure doing?
4. Where are they? How many people do you see?
5. What words would you use to describe the colors used in this painting? Why do you
think the artist chose these colors?
6. How about the patterns? How would you describe them?
7. What folk arts are depicted? Have you ever made a piñata?
8. Have you been to a birthday party where you hit a piñata?
Papel Picado
Do you know what papel picado is? Papel picado is the traditional Mexican folk art of cut paper. In Garza’s painting we can see papel picado as decoration which is made one at a time with scissors. Designs can portray people, animals, flowers and lettering. Individual banners are strung together to create festive and colorful decoration for the celebration.
1. What is going on in this picture? Describe everything you see.
2. What are the people in this painting doing?
3. What is the central figure doing?
4. Where are they? How many people do you see?
5. What words would you use to describe the colors used in this painting? Why do you
think the artist chose these colors?
6. How about the patterns? How would you describe them?
7. What folk arts are depicted? Have you ever made a piñata?
8. Have you been to a birthday party where you hit a piñata?
Papel Picado
Do you know what papel picado is? Papel picado is the traditional Mexican folk art of cut paper. In Garza’s painting we can see papel picado as decoration which is made one at a time with scissors. Designs can portray people, animals, flowers and lettering. Individual banners are strung together to create festive and colorful decoration for the celebration.
TASK#2 Create a papel picado. Examples of Mexican Papercutting and techniques can be found here or search for Mexican Paper-cutting: Simple Techniques for Creating Colorful Cut-Paper Projects by Kathleen Trenchard.
TASK#3 Garza's art serves as a visual narrative in an oral tradition style. Your task is to retell a personal experience with your family or friends by creating a composition of your own monitos (Little figures in Spanish language. Garza also uses the term to describe her paintings of family activities in a painting or a drawing.) Include visual clues of the location, activity and event they are conveying in the artwork. Then write a narrative description about the artwork you have created. Who are the characters and what are they doing?
Cultural comparison: Celebration s in Mexico and Mexican American families
TASK#4 Finally make a cultural comparison using a Venn Diagram. What do you see in the painting that would make this family celebration similar to or different from your parties that you’re familiar with?
Want to see more art - Carmen Lamas Garza
Quinceañera: A Coming of Age Ritual
Pre-Activity
Quick Write:
1) What are coming-of–age rituals, and why are they important?
2) Write about special events in which you participate in your community. Think about the process of getting ready for this event. Answer the following questions for yourself or for others:
La fiesta de quince años
Quinceañera, also called fiesta de quince años, fiesta de quinceañera, quince años or simply quince, is the celebration of a girl's fifteenth birthday in parts of Latin America and elsewhere in communities of people from Latin America. Wikipedia
TASK#3 Garza's art serves as a visual narrative in an oral tradition style. Your task is to retell a personal experience with your family or friends by creating a composition of your own monitos (Little figures in Spanish language. Garza also uses the term to describe her paintings of family activities in a painting or a drawing.) Include visual clues of the location, activity and event they are conveying in the artwork. Then write a narrative description about the artwork you have created. Who are the characters and what are they doing?
Cultural comparison: Celebration s in Mexico and Mexican American families
TASK#4 Finally make a cultural comparison using a Venn Diagram. What do you see in the painting that would make this family celebration similar to or different from your parties that you’re familiar with?
Want to see more art - Carmen Lamas Garza
Quinceañera: A Coming of Age Ritual
Pre-Activity
Quick Write:
1) What are coming-of–age rituals, and why are they important?
2) Write about special events in which you participate in your community. Think about the process of getting ready for this event. Answer the following questions for yourself or for others:
- ¿Qué tipo de evento es? ¿Qué ropa llevas?
- ¿Qué haces para prepararte?
- ¿Cómo estás? ¿Contento(a)? ¿Nervioso(a)? ¿Entusiasmado(a)?
La fiesta de quince años
Quinceañera, also called fiesta de quince años, fiesta de quinceañera, quince años or simply quince, is the celebration of a girl's fifteenth birthday in parts of Latin America and elsewhere in communities of people from Latin America. Wikipedia
We will explore this important coming-of-age ritual, an event, ceremony or celebration that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. In Mexico and some other Latin American countries and in Latino communities in the United States, the coming-of-age ritual for girls is the quinceañera. Many year ago, the girl’s fifteenth birthday would have signaled that she was an active, adult member of the community, fully ready to take on her share of responsibilities, and this indicated that she was of marriageable age and status. However today, the tradition has taken on other meanings, but remains a celebration of womanhood, family and community. For this reason we will explore different viewpoints on the topic and include print and audio (video) material. We are also, going to compare and contrast this ritual with coming-of-age rituals from other cultures and explore the importance of these traditions.
What is a quinceanera?
TASK#1 Watch the video and answer the following questions in Spanish.
1. Why do you think that this celebration might be so important for the girl and her family?
2. Are there other celebrations that you can think of that are similar in that they are both religious and secular?
3. What relationship do celebrations like quinceañeras have to maintaining cultural heritage and tradition?
Now, read the following two articles and answer the questions below.
The Quinceañera Celebration
Coming-of-age ritualsIn many faiths & countries
1. How does the quinceañera compare to other coming-of-age celebrations?
2. Are there commonalities among these rituals?
3. What are the differences and what makes the quinceañera unique?
4. Describe a coming-of-age celebration or ritual from your own culture that you have participated in or plan to participate in.
TASK#2 Mi celebración favorita
Write an e-mail to a new friend in a Spanish-speaking country. Your friend wants to hear about your favorite holiday or celebration. Write an e-mail message describing an event from your childhood. Copy and paste the published email to your electronic portfolio.
TASK#3 Write a persuasive essay.
¿Se debe celebrar una fiesta especial cuando una persona cumple los quince años?
Los carnavales:
According to the Smithsonian, carnivals are of ancient origin and virtually all peoples in all eras have organized carnivals to mark or celebrate different events. Carnivals can be magical, political, satirical, or purely entertaining; some even poke fun at death. In much of Puerto Rico, and other parts of the world with a strong Roman Catholic presence, Carnival has a special meaning. Want to learn more click here.
Pre-Activity
Quick Write: En tu comunidad, ¿en qué festividades o celebraciones hay desfiles? ¿Participas en los desfiles? ¿Te gusta ver los desfiles?
Carnavales
We will explore carnivals throughout the Spanish-speaking world with the following photograph. For each photograph below, write down at least one thing that strikes you; it could be a similarity or difference that you see between the country and United States, simply something that you find interesting or shocking.
1. Why do you think that this celebration might be so important for the girl and her family?
2. Are there other celebrations that you can think of that are similar in that they are both religious and secular?
3. What relationship do celebrations like quinceañeras have to maintaining cultural heritage and tradition?
Now, read the following two articles and answer the questions below.
The Quinceañera Celebration
Coming-of-age ritualsIn many faiths & countries
1. How does the quinceañera compare to other coming-of-age celebrations?
2. Are there commonalities among these rituals?
3. What are the differences and what makes the quinceañera unique?
4. Describe a coming-of-age celebration or ritual from your own culture that you have participated in or plan to participate in.
- At what age does the ritual usually take place?
- Does it have religious or spiritual elements. If so, what are they?
- Does it have a celebration? What happens at the celebration?
- What foods are eaten, what music is played, what dances are there, etc.?
- Where does it take place?
TASK#2 Mi celebración favorita
Write an e-mail to a new friend in a Spanish-speaking country. Your friend wants to hear about your favorite holiday or celebration. Write an e-mail message describing an event from your childhood. Copy and paste the published email to your electronic portfolio.
TASK#3 Write a persuasive essay.
¿Se debe celebrar una fiesta especial cuando una persona cumple los quince años?
Los carnavales:
According to the Smithsonian, carnivals are of ancient origin and virtually all peoples in all eras have organized carnivals to mark or celebrate different events. Carnivals can be magical, political, satirical, or purely entertaining; some even poke fun at death. In much of Puerto Rico, and other parts of the world with a strong Roman Catholic presence, Carnival has a special meaning. Want to learn more click here.
Pre-Activity
Quick Write: En tu comunidad, ¿en qué festividades o celebraciones hay desfiles? ¿Participas en los desfiles? ¿Te gusta ver los desfiles?
Carnavales
We will explore carnivals throughout the Spanish-speaking world with the following photograph. For each photograph below, write down at least one thing that strikes you; it could be a similarity or difference that you see between the country and United States, simply something that you find interesting or shocking.
Class discussion: Class discussion on Carnival tradition
- What is included in the celebrations?
- Who participates in the parades? Who watches?
- What special characters have the students seen?
- At what time of year is it celebrated?
- Most importantly, why do people hold Carnival?
Introduction to El Carnaval—PowerPoint
Another introduction to El Carnaval—PowerPoint
Clothes—Vocabulary Support
Introduction to Clothes Vocabulary
Worksheet for Task 1
Grammar support for Task 2
TASK#1 Intro to Carnavales in the Spanish world Jigsaw Activity
What is it?
A jigsaw activity is a group activity where each member of the group becomes an “expert” on one part of the whole activity and then teaches the others their part. The goal is that each group member teach their own part as a piece of the puzzle and when all have finished, the puzzle is complete, or whole.
How do we do it?
For this activity we will be exploring the culture of carnivals in different cities in Spain. You will find differences and similarities between each of them.
Instructions:
TASK#2 Speaking and writing about celebrations in the past tense
Mi celebracion favorita
¿Cómo te vestías?
¿Tienes una memoria de Halloween cuando tenías muchisimo miedo?
TASK#3 Research and comparison activity
--What are some of the common characteristics of Carnival celebrations?
--What are some of the differences in these celebrations across cultures?
--How do belief systems, such as religion or political ideals of the culture, influence the other parts of the culture?
*How do these components reflect the culture and history of the cities where they are found?
Día de los muertos:
The Day of the Dead is a Mexican and Mexican American holiday whose intricate history is intertwined with the
history of Mexico and Mexican culture. The Day of the Dead is practiced on November 1st and 2nd, during which
the graves of loved ones are decorated, special foods like mole and pan de muerto are made, ofrendas are built to
honor the dead, and special festivals and processions are held.
What is it?
A jigsaw activity is a group activity where each member of the group becomes an “expert” on one part of the whole activity and then teaches the others their part. The goal is that each group member teach their own part as a piece of the puzzle and when all have finished, the puzzle is complete, or whole.
How do we do it?
For this activity we will be exploring the culture of carnivals in different cities in Spain. You will find differences and similarities between each of them.
Instructions:
- Count off by four and then join your group - the ones with the ones, twos with twos, and so on. This is your home group.
- Within your home group, count off again so that everyone has a number.
- Combine the numbers once again, the same way, and you will now be with your expert group. Each expert group will be assigned an article.
- Sit with your group, read the articles and take notes. Students, it is VERY IMPORTANT to fully understand what you read because you are going to teach it.
- Use the focus questions and links or article provided to investigate.
- In your expert group take notes and create a visual (poster). Leave it behind for the expert to use during re-teaching
- Return to your home group to report the information you learned.
- Finally, the whole group presents their findings in a project.
TASK#2 Speaking and writing about celebrations in the past tense
Mi celebracion favorita
- Entrevista a un compañero(a) sobre como celebraba un día festivo cuando era niño(a). Preguntale que día festivo le gustaba celebrar de pequeño(a).
- Escribe cinco preguntas que puedas hacerle a tu amigo(a) usando el imperfecto. Hazle las preguntas en español y escribe las respuestas.
¿Cómo te vestías?
¿Tienes una memoria de Halloween cuando tenías muchisimo miedo?
- Escribe un párrafo de por lo menos cinco frases sobre como tu compañero(a) celebraba el día festivo.
TASK#3 Research and comparison activity
- In small groups of three or four, research Carnival tradition in the United States – perhaps in Mobile, Alabama (http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/legacies/AL/200002665.html and http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/face/Article.jsp?id=h-1437)--and another non-U.S.city of your choosing.
- Then, students present their findings and compare and contrast the different traditions. As a class explore and detect any regional variation, and be sure to record responses.
- Write up all the descriptions of the different Carnival celebrations and address the following questions:
--What are some of the common characteristics of Carnival celebrations?
--What are some of the differences in these celebrations across cultures?
--How do belief systems, such as religion or political ideals of the culture, influence the other parts of the culture?
*How do these components reflect the culture and history of the cities where they are found?
Día de los muertos:
The Day of the Dead is a Mexican and Mexican American holiday whose intricate history is intertwined with the
history of Mexico and Mexican culture. The Day of the Dead is practiced on November 1st and 2nd, during which
the graves of loved ones are decorated, special foods like mole and pan de muerto are made, ofrendas are built to
honor the dead, and special festivals and processions are held.
Pre-Activity
Quick Write: You are going to make a guide to your personal and/or family rituals!
Think about the holidays, observances, and traditions that you have experienced. Choose one and write the name of it here. In order to teach people about your traditions, you will need to think of all of the specific aspects of the holiday, observance, or tradition you have chosen.
Altar: n. altar; shrine
Calacas: n. handmade skeleton figurines. Colloquial Mexican Spanish term for “skeleton.”
Calaveras de azúcar: n. sugar skulls
Calaveras: n. skulls
Catrinas: n. handmade, well-dressed, female skeleton figurines
Dia de los Muertos: Day of the Dead. Hispanic holiday celebrated at the beginning of November to honor the souls of the dead.
Flores: n. flowers (zempasúchil/marigold- Flower that represents the dead in Mexico)
Ofrenda: n. offering
Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mexican Virgin Mary as she appeared in Guadalupe, Mexico.Pan de Muerto: n. bread of the dead
Papel Pegado: n. papier-mâché
Papel Picado: n. cut paper
Santo: n. saint
Tilma: n. cloak made of cactus cloth
Mole chocolate and chile souce
Tames meat and chile or raisins inside of corn meal wrapped in a corn husk
Mexico's Day of the Dead
Quick Write: You are going to make a guide to your personal and/or family rituals!
Think about the holidays, observances, and traditions that you have experienced. Choose one and write the name of it here. In order to teach people about your traditions, you will need to think of all of the specific aspects of the holiday, observance, or tradition you have chosen.
- What part of the year does it happen?
- Why do you have this tradition?
- What are the rituals that you do?
- Will you dress in a special way? If so, how?
- Are there any foods that you eat that are significant to your tradition?
- Do you decorate your home? If so, how?
VOCABULARY
Altar: n. altar; shrine
Calacas: n. handmade skeleton figurines. Colloquial Mexican Spanish term for “skeleton.”
Calaveras de azúcar: n. sugar skulls
Calaveras: n. skulls
Catrinas: n. handmade, well-dressed, female skeleton figurines
Dia de los Muertos: Day of the Dead. Hispanic holiday celebrated at the beginning of November to honor the souls of the dead.
Flores: n. flowers (zempasúchil/marigold- Flower that represents the dead in Mexico)
Ofrenda: n. offering
Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mexican Virgin Mary as she appeared in Guadalupe, Mexico.Pan de Muerto: n. bread of the dead
Papel Pegado: n. papier-mâché
Papel Picado: n. cut paper
Santo: n. saint
Tilma: n. cloak made of cactus cloth
Mole chocolate and chile souce
Tames meat and chile or raisins inside of corn meal wrapped in a corn husk
Mexico's Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead v Halloween in Cancun, Mexico
The Day of the Dead and Mexican Art
Jose Guadalupe Posada, Calabera del Presidente Madero
What is Political Satire? Satire is the use of clever or humorous text, pictures, or performance to criticize aspects of society. It often focuses on leaders and government in order to point out shortcomings or hypocrisy. This artistic and literary device is an important and effective tool for the public to show their disapproval or outright anger over injustices. A calavera poem is a form of satire. It is an imaginary obituary in which someone or something still living is poked fun at. They were very popular during the Mexican Revolution as a way to criticize the government. Calaveras deal with death in a humorous manner. (mexic-artemuseum.org) Here is an example of one: El perro del vecino me ha perseguido a la casa, Todos los días del otoño. Yo corro lejos cuando estoy solo, Para que él no me muerda el trasero. Adelante pues perrito y rechina tus dientes, Pero algún día tú vas a ser enterrado abajo. The neighbor’s dog has chased me home, Every day this Autumn. I run away when I’m all-alone, So it doesn’t bite my bottom. Go ahead little dog and gnash your teeth, But some day you will be buried beneath. ¿Cuál celebras? |
Catrina, Diego Rivera
La Catrina por Posada
José Guadalupe Posada worked as an illustrator for various newspapers during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Drawing skeletal imagery from Day of the Dead, he created powerful calavera representations of people rich and poor, famous and infamous, young and old. He also used his art to make fun of many politicians. Posada’s calaveras became widely popular across Mexico.( mexic-artemuseum.org) TASK#1 Now it’s your turn! Write your own calavera poem:) Imagine something that you want to make fun of. What qualities about it are humorous? Write the poem as if you are remembering a person after he or she has died. Use the form to poke fun at the person. |
Lets identify the important aspects of El Día de los Muertos in comparison to Halloween. This
Infografia del Día de los Muertos above will help.
TASK#2 Complete a Venn Diagram in small groups comparing/contrasting El Día de los Muertos with Halloween. Then, another Venn Diagram comparing/contrasting El Día de los Muertos with Memorial Day.
Resources
Smithsonian Latino Center's Theater of the Dead
Flor de Muertos
Pan de Muertos
La Ofrenda
Marigolds-La Flor de Cempasúchil
Flores represent the brief life of man, and are thus used to decorate altars and graves. Yellow marigolds, known as “the flower of the dead,” are the traditional flower used during Dia de los Muertos celebrations.
Infografia del Día de los Muertos above will help.
TASK#2 Complete a Venn Diagram in small groups comparing/contrasting El Día de los Muertos with Halloween. Then, another Venn Diagram comparing/contrasting El Día de los Muertos with Memorial Day.
Resources
Smithsonian Latino Center's Theater of the Dead
Flor de Muertos
Pan de Muertos
La Ofrenda
Marigolds-La Flor de Cempasúchil
Flores represent the brief life of man, and are thus used to decorate altars and graves. Yellow marigolds, known as “the flower of the dead,” are the traditional flower used during Dia de los Muertos celebrations.
TASK#3 Create marigolds from tissue paper and pipe cleaners to decorate the class altar. You may also create papel picado a popular form of decoration used for Dia de los Muertos and other holidays and festivals throughout Mexico.
Flores
Supplies:
- Green pipe cleaners
- Yellow and orange tissue paper
- Scissors
Procedure:
1. Layer 4 or 5 sheets of tissue paper, alternating colors.
2. Cut tissue paper in to a square, approx. 5 x 5”.
3. Fold the paper in an accordion fold.
4. Wrap a pipe cleaner around the center and twist.
5. Separate the tissue and fluff up to create the petals of your marigold.
6. Wrap one end of the pipe cleaner around the base of the flower to hold the petals together. The other end will be the stem.
Papel Picado
Supplies:
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Colorful tissue paper (approx. 8.5” x 11”)
- String
Procedure:
1. Roll the construction paper into a tube, and secure with glue.
2. Fold paper in half as many times as desired.
3. Make decorative cuts in the paper.
4. Unfold and flatten.
5. Glue the papercuts to the construction paper tubes.
6. Once dry, thread the string through the paper tubes to either create a banner or individual hanging paper cuts.
7. Pin to the classroom altar or hang around the classroom.
More resources:
Good website
Photographs, food, altar, and customs
Bilingual site detailing El Día de los Muertos
Details and photographs
Description of the preparation for El Día de los Muertos
Narrative of El Día de los Muertos flor
Flores
Supplies:
- Green pipe cleaners
- Yellow and orange tissue paper
- Scissors
Procedure:
1. Layer 4 or 5 sheets of tissue paper, alternating colors.
2. Cut tissue paper in to a square, approx. 5 x 5”.
3. Fold the paper in an accordion fold.
4. Wrap a pipe cleaner around the center and twist.
5. Separate the tissue and fluff up to create the petals of your marigold.
6. Wrap one end of the pipe cleaner around the base of the flower to hold the petals together. The other end will be the stem.
Papel Picado
Supplies:
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Colorful tissue paper (approx. 8.5” x 11”)
- String
Procedure:
1. Roll the construction paper into a tube, and secure with glue.
2. Fold paper in half as many times as desired.
3. Make decorative cuts in the paper.
4. Unfold and flatten.
5. Glue the papercuts to the construction paper tubes.
6. Once dry, thread the string through the paper tubes to either create a banner or individual hanging paper cuts.
7. Pin to the classroom altar or hang around the classroom.
More resources:
Good website
Photographs, food, altar, and customs
Bilingual site detailing El Día de los Muertos
Details and photographs
Description of the preparation for El Día de los Muertos
Narrative of El Día de los Muertos flor