Day of the Dead Celebration at Duquesne
Students taking first and second level Spanish classes celebrated
the Day of the Dead on October 23rd by learning about its history and customs,
and taking part in dedicating an altar at Gumberg Library.
Each student crafted a paper flower as their individual offering for the altar, which will be on display in the Popular Reading Room until November 7.
The altar blessing
was coordinated by Spiritan Campus Ministry with Fr. Vince Stegman officiating.
Students decorated the altar with traditional items including candles,
skeletons, water, salt, fruit, honey, and toys.
As part of the celebration, students
wrote messages to their deceased loved ones on paper butterflies representing the
monarch butterflies that return to Mexico each year around November 1,
coinciding with the celebration of the Day of the Dead. Traditionally, the
butterfly symbolizes the souls of ancestors.
To learn more, visit http://guides.library.duq.edu/dotd