DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS Paper Marigold Kit

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a multi-day holiday that originated in Mexico and is now celebrated throughout Latin America. It has origins in the Aztec culture’s four-month celebration to the goddess Mictecacihuatl, also known as “the Lady of the Dead”, combined with the Roman Catholic All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day brought to the Americas by the Spanish conquistadors. This holiday honors the memory of loved ones who have died. It is celebrated from October 31 through November 2.

Marigolds (cempasúchil) are used to decorate ofrendas, altars to honor the dead, and are placed on the graves of loved ones. Often referred to as “flowers of the dead” (flor de muerto), it’s believed that the scent of these bright orange blooms help attract souls to the altar. Other items placed on the ofrenda include photos, keepsakes, candles, the loved ones’ favorite food or drink, and sugar skulls (calaveras).

Each curbside kit will include enough supplies to make three paper marigolds. You can do this craft as a family at any time with the included instructions, but if you would like more guidance there will be an instructional video posted at www.facebook.com/metrolibrary on Saturday, October 24 @ 2pm.