Can I teach Day of the Dead at a Christian School?

Can I teach about the Day of the Dead at a Christian school? Hmmm. Skeletons, dead people, painted faces, altars, and an association with Halloween, which many Christians consider to be a pagan holiday. I always steered away from teaching it, but many dedicated Christians do, so I thought I’d better investigate what the celebration was really about.

Not being a native speaker and lacking a deep knowledge of the Latin American and Spanish cultures, I decided to interview native speakers from different countries to find answers. I wanted to know if the practice of the Day of the Dead conflicted with Christian beliefs.

Can I teach about the Day of the Dead at a Christian school? In this blog I talk about what I learned after interviewing three native speakers from different countries about how they celebrate the holiday in their country and suggest ways to teach it at a Christian school. They were not in agreement as to whether the practices conflicted with their Christian beliefs. #DayoftheDead #DíadelosMuertos #MexicanTraditions #AngieTorre #Bestpowerpointsforspanish #calaveras

Here is what I discovered.

Various countries observe the holiday in unique ways and with differing beliefs. It is celebrated primarily in Mexico but also in other parts of Central America and among the Mexican diaspora in the United States. In Mexico, Día de los Muertos is celebrated to a greater degree than in other countries, with parties, parades, costumes, decorated altars, and gravesite visitations.

However, in other countries, it is recognized quietly with a simple mass to honor and/or remember loved ones.

In Mexico, many originally believed that their dead loved ones returned to partake in the offerings that were given to them by their family and friends. Even though many no longer believe the dead come back to visit, they still participate in the holiday in order to commemorate their loved ones.

In other countries, there is no such belief, just a desire to demonstrate love and respect for the deceased family members and loved ones. They believe that the loved ones return in our minds and hearts.

Day of the Dead and All Saints’ Day

Day of the Dead coincides with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day recognized in some Christian traditions, which may cause some confusion. Celebrated on November 1st and November 2nd, these days also honor the lives of deceased saints and souls. All Saints’ Day honors believers who have passed while the Catholic All Souls’ Day is dedicated to praying for those believed to be in Purgatory.

WHAT IS DAY OF THE DEAD?

The Day of the Dead is viewed as a celebration of life, where family members honor and remember their loved ones who have passed away, often through family reunions at cemeteries, decorating graves with flowers, candles, and sugar skulls.

The roots of the Day of the Dead are deeply ingrained in Mexican culture, especially in central Mexico and even in Mexico City, where large Day of the Dead parades bring communities together. Despite its pre-Hispanic origins, modern celebrations have evolved, particularly in rural areas, where traditions vary. Some Christians may feel comfortable participating in the holiday as a cultural celebration rather than a religious one, focusing on the aspects of family, memory, and love for those who have passed, which align with Christian principles of honoring life and family.

The image of La Catrina is often used to represent the blending of the indigenous and European influences on the holiday. Although her skeletal figure may seem macabre, she is often seen as a reminder that death is a natural part of life.

Is Day of the Dead Incompatible with My Christian Beliefs?

Is the idea of commemorating the dead incompatible with Christian beliefs? While some Christian communities may question the holiday’s elements, the focus on family and remembrance may not conflict with Christian values.

For Christians, the holiday can serve as an opportunity to reflect on the eternal life promised through faith, a concept central to Christian theology.

For Christian educators wondering how to teach the holiday, it is important to emphasize that while the Day of the Dead has spiritual elements, it can also be presented as a cultural tradition, distinct from religious practices. By drawing parallels between the holiday and the Christian observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, it is possible to celebrate the Mexican diaspora’s traditions in a way that respects Christian values.

So…. Can I teach about the Day of the Dead at a Christian School?

I can if I:

Teach it as a cultural practice and belief of certain Spanish-speaking countries in the same manner in which I would teach about the religious beliefs and practices of historical cultures such as the Aztecs, or of other countries, without promoting or personally adhering to the beliefs
Teach with the understanding that the belief of the deceased returning is a known myth in the same category as Santa Claus
Compare the beliefs and traditions as practiced in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries to those of the Christian faith
Discuss how, “El Día de los Muertos” is practiced in other Latin American countries besides Mexico
Show the videos of the interviews of Eduardo (from Mexico), Eduardo, (from Colombia), and Teresa (from Equatorial Guinea) in which they talk about how the celebration is practiced in their countries and whether it does or doesn’t conflict with their Christian beliefs. (Hint, it DOES conflict with the beliefs of Eduardo, the Columbian.) Then, ask the students whether THEY believe the practice of the Day of the Dead conflicts with their beliefs and why.

Ultimately, the choice to teach or celebrate the Day of the Dead at a Christian school depends on how the holiday is approached. Focusing on its role as a celebration of life rather than a religious event can bridge the cultural and spiritual divide.

Ready-Made Día de Muertos Resources

If you’re ready to teach Day of the Dead, Check out these ready-made resources: In these three videos, people from Mexico, Columbia, and Equatorial Guinea talk about how they celebrate the holiday in their country and whether or not they believe the holiday is compatible with their Christian beliefs. (SPOILER ALERT: Two say it is and one says it isn’t.) Click on the link to see the three videos: Day of the De ad Videos

Day of the Dead, El Día de los Muertos Videos

Here is the link to the D ay of the Dead PowerPoint and Interactive and Google Drive Activities

If you just want the Interactive Notebook and Google Drive Activities, click here: Day of the Dead Google Drive Activities

Have you used Google Drive Activities before? If not, here is a FREE Spanish Clothing Google Drive Activities

If you would like the ENTIRE BUNDLE,

including a craft activity for papel picado, vocabulary, and a detailed description of the holiday in English and Spanish for all levels, click here: Day of the Dead Bundle

El Día de los Muertos Day of the Dead Curriculum Bundle

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