For many years on November 2nd, Meekins has celebrated the ancient Mexican feast known as the Day of the Dead or Día de Muertos, remembering family and friends who have gone before us. In the Mexican tradition, this is a day that honors the cycle of life because of the belief that loved ones’ spirits awaken and celebrate with those who remember them. Librarians interested in the Mexican culture adopted this annual tradition of putting together an altar or shrine which gathered together photographs, mementos, favorite foods, candles, and flowers in memory of lost loved ones and inviting our Meekins patrons to share their own loved ones.
Many people make altars or “ofrendas” (offerings) in their homes to honor their loved ones who have died. Every ofrenda also includes the four elements: water, wind, earth and fire. Water is left in a pitcher so the spirits can quench their thirst. Papel picado, or traditional paper banners, represent the wind. Earth is represented by food, especially bread. Candles are often left in the form of a cross to represent the cardinal directions, so the spirits can find their way. Every state in Mexico has its own particular way of setting up their ofrendas.
Everyone is welcome to add your special person to the Meekins shrine set up in front of the fireplace in the John and Alta Black Reading Room. The shrine will be in place from Tuesday October 29 through Saturday, November 2, 2024. Daria D’Arienzo, Meekins Archivist. #throwbackthursday; #tbt.
Posted to Facebook 10/25/2024
