October 7th

I'm sure none of you are surprised that today was an Adventure Day. It was simply too gorgeous for it not to be. We took the #32 bus to Maxwell Patterson Park, played at the playground there, walked over to the Clackamas river, enjoyed a picnic, and made our way back to school for rest time. Wonderful scary decorations to look at, trees at their best, and the river which simply nourishes the soul.

I introduced the Day of the Dead today. (Those who were here last year seemed to have forgotten what it's all about). I like to celebrate this holiday for many reasons- learning about different cultures, trying new foods, learning new words to name a few-but especially I like that it gives us a framework talk about the dead-our ancestors, our close family, our friends, even our pets, and to create a link between the living and the dead. I don't feel like our culture does much of that!

I invite you to bring in pictures or items representing people who have passed away to add to our ofrenda.

Elements of an Ofrenda

• Papel picado serves as a colorful and meaningful trim: black represents death, purple means grief of mourning, pink is celebration, white symbolizes hope and yellow stands for the sun. 

• Sugar skulls, or calaveras, add a lighthearted touch, for both the dead and the living.

• Cempasuchitl, the Aztec term for "marigolds" is the traditional flower used to honor the dead. It reflects the fleeting nature or life. Their aroma helps lure a spirit back. 

• Photograph(s) of the person(s) the altar is dedicated to help loved ones to remember them while they were in the prime of their lives.

• Pan de muerto or "bread of the dead" is a sweet treat. Found at most panaderias, the round loaf is topped with a skull and crossbones. 

• Candles represent the cardinal directions and provide a lighted path to this world. 

• Salt, a symbol of purification, is for the dead to season the food you've offered them. 

• Christian iconography such as a Virgin Mary and Holy Cross reveal the holiday's European roots. 

• The deceased's favorite knickknacks, tools, or toys (for children) create a familiar setting for their return. 

Four main elements of nature are found on an altar:

• Wind: The papel picado also lets loved one know when the spirits have arrived.

• Earth: The soul is nourished by favorite family dishes that represent the crops of the earth. Common edibles include fruit, mole, chocolate, and atole. 

• Fire: Visiting souls are illuminated from the shadow of death by candles. Each one represents a departed soul. Additional candles are added for forgotten souls.