‘Ofrenda’ at WPL Honors Passed Washington residents

Fall is my favorite season of the year. Maybe my love for the season developed because I have a birthday in October, but I dream of sweaters and hot chocolate every year as early as September. I love the cool, crisp air and the opportunity to bring out cozy clothing, warm blankets, and snuggle. I have a list of favorite soups that are the perfect way to warm the belly. Apple cider, pumpkin patches, and cozy bonfires are always a treat and the quintessential reminders of fall. Of course, we can’t forget Halloween and other traditions we look forward to enjoying.

This year, I am adding the Mexican Dia de los Muertos tradition to my list. Through conversations with friends and library patrons, I learned more about this tradition. While I had a small idea of what this holiday was about, I was glad to be able to learn even more. Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday. It is a vibrant celebration of life, and death is not considered sad or depressing. Instead, it reminds us that death is a part of life and allows people to honor those who have gone before them. Dia de los Muertos is celebrated from Oct. 28 to November 2nd.

There are a variety of traditions that honor the dead, such as:

Ofrendas-altars used to honor the dead

Sugar skulls- treats used to represent the circle of life

Papel picado-bright and colorful banners that represent the wind

Pan de muerto-circular bread representing the circle of life

La Catrina- a skeleton character representation of the celebration

People also celebrate this holiday by visiting graves, parades, festivals, face painting, and costumes.

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Anabel Hernandez Romero, Rocio Arrellano, Erika Castro, and I created a beautiful ofrenda (offering) display here at the library. This table is decorated with symbols and offerings to honor deceased loved ones. Each item has a specific meaning and is an integral part of the altar. It has three levels or tiers. The topmost tier contains pictures of those that are passed and honored. This year, we have four people from Washington who we are honoring on our ofrenda.

Jane Chilicote (1828-1901) was a Washington author who donated her home to be used as the first library in Washington.

David Elder (1911-2002) was a well-known Washington author.

William Franklin (W.F.) Brinton was a Washington inventor.

John Richard Kessell (1954-2022) was a Washington musician.

We hope this can become a tradition and add new and different people to honor each year. The altar is truly beautiful. I feel honored to live in a community that celebrates people and traditions from all cultures. Please stop in and visit the library to experience this special display firsthand.