Vocabulary
| Vocabulary | Meaning | Example Sentences |
|---|---|---|
| Ofrenda | An altar or offering made to honor and remember deceased loved ones, often decorated with their favorite items, food, and symbolic objects. | 1. Families create ofrendas during Dia de los Muertos to welcome back ancestral spirits. |
| 2. The ofrenda in our home is adorned with photographs and favorite foods of our departed relatives. | ||
| 3. During the ceremony, we placed candles and mementos on the ofrenda to honor our ancestors. | ||
| Cemetery | A place where deceased individuals are buried, typically marked by gravestones or markers. | 1. We visit the cemetery on Memorial Day to pay respects to our fallen soldiers. |
| 2. The cemetery was peaceful, with rows of gravestones under the shade of ancient trees. | ||
| 3. She placed fresh flowers on her grandmother’s grave in the cemetery. | ||
| Altars | Raised platforms or structures used for religious or ceremonial purposes, often used to display offerings or symbols of reverence. | 1. The temple had ornate altars where people placed offerings and lit incense. |
| 2. The couple exchanged vows in front of a beautifully decorated altar adorned with flowers. | ||
| 3. Altars are an integral part of traditional ceremonies, symbolizing connection to the divine. | ||
| Somber | Dark and gloomy in mood or atmosphere, often associated with sadness or seriousness. | 1. The room fell into a somber silence as everyone listened to the sad news. |
| 2. The somber weather matched the mournful atmosphere of the funeral. | ||
| 3. Despite the somber occasion, friends and family shared stories and celebrated the person’s life. |
Reading
Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and cherished Mexican tradition that spans from October 31st to November 2nd. In contrast to its name, this festival is far from somber. It’s a time of exuberant celebration, where families come together to honor and remember their departed loved ones.
At the heart of Dia de los Muertos are “ofrendas” – intricate altars built in homes and cemeteries. These ofrendas are adorned with marigold flowers, candles, incense, photos, and the favorite foods and belongings of the deceased. Families believe that during this time, the spirits of their loved ones return to the world of the living to be reunited with their families and enjoy the offerings left for them.
Sugar skulls, elaborately decorated with bright colors and intricate designs, are a symbolic representation of the departed. People paint their faces as skulls and dress in colorful costumes. Parades filled with music, dance, and laughter wind through streets adorned with marigolds and colorful banners.
Dia de los Muertos reflects the rich cultural heritage of Mexico, blending indigenous traditions with Catholic influences. It’s a way for people to celebrate the cycle of life and death, to embrace memories, and to affirm that the connections with their departed loved ones remain strong.
In essence, Dia de los Muertos is a celebration of life’s continuum, an embodiment of cherished memories, and a poignant reminder that death is not an end, but a part of the grand journey of existence.
Discussion
- Have you heard of Dia de los Muertos? What part of it surprised you the most?
- Have you ever been to a festival with special traditions? If yes, how was it? If not, do you know of any such festivals?