School of Modern Languages ready to celebrate Day of the Dead
Members of the School of Modern Languages, the School of Art History, and the student Hispanic Society have set up a traditional ‘Altar de muertos’ in the foyer of the School of Modern Languages' Buchanan Building to commemorate the Day of the Dead, which is largely celebrated in Spanish-speaking countries, especially in Mexico, on the 2nd of November.
The Altar will be displayed from 30 October to 5 November. During this time, everyone is welcome to add any significant item as a silent remembrance of their loved dead. The Altar is dedicated to all those people whose life we wish to honor together.
The tradition of the Altar in School of Modern Languages started three years ago and it has become a festive occasion to share memories, stories, and customs from our countries and cultures while building up a colorful artwork. This year around 25 students and staff helped to set the Altar with members of the Mexican and Latin American community living in St Andrews. After setting up the Altar, everyone enjoyed a slice of the traditional bread (‘pan de muerto’) and a cup of Oaxacan hot chocolate, generously homemade by Patricia López Sánchez Cervantes, a doctoral student in the School of Art History.
The Altar blends elements both Spanish and indigenous, pre-Hispanic traditions of cult to the dead. Hispanic cultures commemorate the dead of their dear ones on the 1st of November (All Saints Day) and 2nd of November (All Souls Day). Originally these were Spanish-Catholic traditions, however, the Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) became a secular and popular tradition beyond the religious context, with the Altar de Muertos as a central work displayed in public squares, schools, workplaces and, of course, at homes. Every item at the Altar has a symbolism, which can be look at in the information sheets displayed alongside the Altar in the Buchanan Building.
The Day of the Dead celebrations are based in the belief that the souls of the ones gone can come back to this world for one night every year. The Altar is thus raised as a way of welcoming the souls to their home, offering them their favourite food and drinks. St Andrews is now part of this celebration!