In many Hispanic cultures, the souls of relatives and ancestors are believed to return to the land of the living on November 1 and 2 to celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), sometimes also called Todos Santos (All Saints’ Day).
This year, the Roseman University Library is honored to welcome the memories of our community’s loved ones at our campus ofrendas, collaboratively built with the Hispanic Student Dental Association in South Jordan and Business & Finance in Henderson.
Day of the Dead is not the same as Halloween. It is a time to celebrate the memories of those who have passed and recognize that death is an integral part of life. Instead of a holiday for ghosts and frights, Día de los Muertos represents a joyful reunion and the continuation of a legacy.
For many traditions in Latin America and the Philippines, the holiday is the result of blending indigenous and Catholic as a product of religious syncretism. Families gather, visit cemeteries, clean graves, and create ofrendas (altars) to welcome the deceased back with fruits, flowers, and their favorite items. On our altars, you will find photos, water, flowers, papel picado, and representations of favorite indulgences.
There are so many resources to learn more about this holiday. Here are some favorites:
If you miss someone and are unable to visit where they lay, please visit your campus library to print and place a photo.
Special thanks to our friends in Business & Finance and the Hispanic Student Dental Association for their generous collaboration.