The Tempest

Issue date: 10/25/06 Section: News

Media Credit: LaTasha Monique A typical altar includes food for the dead, candles and candy skulls.

Media Credit: LaTasha Monique Nexus Avelar explained customs surrounding the Day of the Dead.

The joy of hearing the rain pounding against the pavement, its aroma letting you know that the heavens are opening up a new season of growth. A glowing fire shining through a window to warm the house and let you know someone is there awaiting your safe return. The feeling you get after eating all your favorite foods and washing them down with a cold beverage.

These are some of the comforts Hispanics try to give to their loved ones on Dia De Los Muertos.

While Americans are prancing around on Oct. 31, in the goriest costumes they can come up with, Hispanics are preparing for the celebration of Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) paying homage to those that are "lost but not forgotten."

Often using the elements of earth, wind, fire and water, Hispanics across the nation join in union with their loved ones to celebrate this day.

Preparation for the festival starts with the cleaning of gravesites, adorning the grave with flowers (usually marigolds), and finally decorating the grave with items that are familiar to the deceased.

Nexus Avelar, social science instructor at Solano Community College, gave a very passionate speech on Oct. 25, to a room filled with at least 100 SCC students and faculty members describing his favorite parts of the festival.

"Unlike Americans, for the Mexicans, death is their favorite toy," said Avelar. "Dia de los Muertos is a time to connect your past with your future. This is the day our ancestors visit, [the] day that connects us to our past, to thousands of years of culture, to connect to each other," said Avelar.

Hispanics celebrate this holiday by cooking enormous meals and special breads called pan de muerte (bread of the dead) that the family offers to the souls of the deceased while continuously celebrating with song and dance.

Avelar took his audience on a journey that explored all of Mexico and its traditions concerning the Day of the Dead. He talked of how the first day is set aside to honor saints and the second to honor close family and loved ones.

Avelar fondly remembers having the second day to honor his father and have available for him all the things he used to love. His voice softened with deep admiration as he recalled the amount of effort and love that went into the preparations to honor his father.

"We would cook all of his favorites, enchiladas and carnitas and leave blankets in case it got cold, a bible so if he wanted to read. The candles would be lit so that he could find his way." said Avelar.

Living in a country where people do not want to talk about aging, let alone death, SCC student Brittany Alcorn-Cole SCC says, "It's wonderful to honor our past loved ones and not feel ashamed."

Avelar says, "I'm more afraid of life than of dying. When I die I'm gonna get to rest."

Sanford Wright, coordinator of the Solano Community College Ethnic Studies program, with the help of his assistant, Brandi Bennett, brings in guest speakers like Avelar throughout the semester to help educate students and faculty as well as to honor the many differences amongst the many cultures.

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