Día de los Muertos: Celebrating the Day of the Dead with Colouring

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a vibrant and rich holiday that is primarily observed in Mexico and other Latin American countries. The celebration, held on November 1st and 2nd, honors family and friends who have died by remembering their lives and inviting their spirits to return home for a visit. The celebration is a blend of Catholicism and indigenous tradition and is a joyful, colorful affair where they remember and honor the dead.

Rather than a somber affair, Día de los Muertos is a holiday where families build altars (ofrendas), decorate with marigolds, offer food and drink to their loved ones' spirits, and commemorate with music, dance, and art. Skulls made of sugar, lacquered skeletons, and fancy papel picado (ornamental paper cutouts) are among the most recognized symbols of the holiday, and these symbols feature prominently in decor and festivities.

Introducing Colouring to Día de los Muertos Celebrations

Colouring is a simple and joyful way to engage with the holiday spirit of Día de los Muertos. Colouring can be a means for both kids and adults to get connected with the rich cultural traditions of this holiday and reflect on its meaning in a fun and creative way. Colouring can also be an active way of teaching children about the symbolism of Día de los Muertos and the emphasis it puts on remembering the deceased.

Colouring Ideas for Día de los Muertos

1. Sugar Skulls: Perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Día de los Muertos is the sugar skulls (calaveras de azúcar). Colouring these ornately decorated skulls is a great way to convey the festive nature of the holiday. Bright, vibrant colours can be employed to mimic the bright decorations that typically adorn sugar skulls.

2. Skeletons: Another predominant symbol is skeletons (calacas), which are typically depicted in joyful or playful poses, suggesting the celebration of life. Colouring skeletons in various postures can depict the celebratory and light-hearted attitude towards death that is so typical of Día de los Muertos.

3. Marigolds: The dead flower is the marigold (cempasúchil). Marigolds are employed to decorate altars and guide the spirits of the dead. Dyeing marigolds can symbolize remembrance and the connection between the living and the dead.

4. Ofrendas: The ofrenda, or altar, is an important part of the celebration. It is typically filled with candles, food, photos, and keepsakes to greet deceased loved ones. Colouring ofrendas or paper cut-out decorations can be a way of enabling an understanding of the meaning of the ritual in welcoming spirits home.

5. Candles and Crosses: Candles are lit to guide the spirits to the altars. Colouring candle or cross pictures is a fine way to reflect on the spiritual aspects of the holiday, as it concerns itself with remembering and the light to guide the dead.

Why Colouring is an Essential Activity for Día de los Muertos

Coloring is both a contemplative and creative way to reflect on the meaning of Día de los Muertos. For children, it is an entertaining method of learning about the holiday's symbolism, such as why skeletons, sugar skulls, and marigolds are utilized, and why it is necessary to remember those in the family who have died.

For adults, it provides a calming way of remembering memories of loved ones while still engaging with the festive and celebratory nature of the holiday. It encourages mindfulness and can be used to discuss the cultural significance of Día de los Muertos, allowing families to pass on important traditions to their children and grandchildren.

Through coloring, individuals can create their own interpretations of the symbols and rituals of Día de los Muertos. Whether it is creating an ofrenda using paper cutouts, coloring in intricate skull designs, or creating vibrant flowers, coloring is a way of bringing the themes of the holiday to life.

Day of the Dead is a celebration of life, a honoring of the dead, and a remembering of loved ones. Coloring is a fun way to engage with the rich traditions and vibrant symbols of the holiday while reflecting on the value of remembrance, family, and heritage.