LIVONIA, MICH. – During Hispanic Heritage Month, students in Dr. Elizabeth Goulette’s SPA 2230 class took a break after their test to make colorful paper flowers for Madonna’s Día de los Muertos ofrenda, which will be on display in the Franciscan Center.
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated on November 1 and 2. Families build ofrendas, or altars, to remember and celebrate those that have passed. An ofrenda is typically surrounded by photos of loved ones, candles, and flowers (especially yellow and orange marigolds). The bright colors and scents are said to help guide spirits home.
Dr. Goulette came prepared with all of the necessary supplies: tissue paper, pipe cleaners, ribbon, streamers, and scissors. She walked around the room, helping each student where needed throughout the process of their crafts.
She encouraged the students to mix colors to help the ofrenda pop. “You can’t mess this up”, she told the class which, judging by the laughter, didn’t convince everyone. “Whatever students create always looks beautiful on display.”
Members of the Madonna community are invited to bring in framed photos of deceased love ones, as well as a small trinket of something representing their personality or hobbies, in order to display and honor their life on the ofrenda. It will be on display at the Franciscan Center from Wednesday, October 28th through Tuesday, November 3rd. Photos and/or trinket can be dropped off at Dr. Goulette’s office in Room 2428 in the Admin Building from Friday, October 23rd through Tuesday, October 28th. Please include a post-it note with the person’s name and avoid bringing any irreplaceable items.
To learn more about studying Spanish, including how a Spanish minor can fit into your life and celebrating Hispanic culture, visit the Spanish program page below, or contact program director Dr. Elizabeth Goulette directly at egoulette@madonna.edu.
Interested in learning more about this program? See more on how you can get started.
