I think it is important for students to learn about other cultures as well as their own. By doing so, students learn that they have many more similarities with their peers, rather than differences. When students are afforded an opportunity to participate in a different, unique, cultural experience, it allows them to have more meaningful interactions and build respect and empathy for others.
The history of the Ofrenda (Remembrance Table) dates back 3,000 years when the early native peoples of Mexico and parts of Central America held festivals to honor their dead. When the Spaniards arrived into this area roughly 500 years ago, they incorporated their religion into the native tradition; thus the Ofrenda is celebrated on Nov 1st and Nov 2nd, coinciding with All Saints and All Souls Day.
Today, it has morphed into a day of happy, joyful celebration, while honoring loved ones who have passed through poetry, oral histories, food and music. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, BMS students were invited to bring a photo of a deceased loved one, decorate a cardboard photo frame, write an acrostic poem or narrative about what made their loved one so special, and read their stories aloud to their peers during a very special and respectful ceremony. Some students created paper flower decorations and helped build the Ofrenda. The students learned that no matter where one is born, or in what era one is living, every culture around the world recognizes the value of honoring and remembering loved ones and ancestors who have passed.