By: Paige Scofield Campus Life Editor
To help promote diversity on Western’s campus, the Multicultural Student Union held an event in the Columbia Room of the Werner University Center.
Dia de los Muertos or, “Day of the Dead,” was celebrated on Wednesday, Nov. 2. This event included a guest speaker, fashion show, tamales, hot chocolate and pan dulce.
The MSU’s Western page described Dia de los Muertos as, “a time for the spirit of the deceased to return home and visit loved ones, feast on their favorite foods and listen to their favorite music. The MSU honors our deceased with ofrendas, or offerings, which may consist of photographs, bread, other foods, flowers, toys and other symbolic offerings.”
The guest speaker was Jaime Marroquin, a Spanish professor here at Western. He had a 15 minute presentation on what exactly Dia de los Muertos is, and why it’s celebrated in certain cultures. “First, a little bit of history,” said Marroquin, “Dia de los Muertos has pre-hispanic origins that we’re unsure about. But we do know that there was a big celebration. One fundamental thing about Mesoamerican or pre-hispanic cultures is the concept of duality. Life and death is always united, always complimentary.”
Those who celebrate Dia de los Muertos, cater to the needs of deceased loved ones. They make altars of food and line paths with flowers so the dead can find their way home.
After Marroquin’s presentation was complete, it was time for the hungry party goers to eat tamales. Plates were loaded up and bellies were filled with this traditional dish.
To finish the event with a bang, MSU held a fashion contest. The contestants strutted their stuff down the runway to show off their traditional Dia de los Muertos outfits. The winner won items with the MSU logo on it.
If you are interested in helping Western become more diverse, or wish to learn about other cultures, MSU meetings are Wednesday nights at 6:00 p.m. in the Columbia room in the Werner University Center. To contact MSU, you can email them at msu@wou.edu or by phone at (503)838-8403.
Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu
