Unity in Diversity
Image by Olena Sserginko
With the recent results of the election sending everyone into a tailspin, it's important to remember the beauty of diversity－or "unity in diversity," as they they say. Living in America, it's easy to get wrapped up in prejudices and ignore their affect, but how do we ever expect to break down these walls and eradicate stereotypes? The answer is simple: make time to learn about other cultures, so you can learn to appreciate our cultural differences.
The easiest way to do this is by going to museums and exhibits to understand the basic foundations and practices of other cultures. While everyone else was dancing their lives away dressed up as little black cats, I decided to tag along with my roommate to the Day of the Dead event in the Pilsen/Little Village community. Half Mexican and Puerto Rican, she filled me in on the historic celebration.
The Day of Dead is a Mexican tradition practiced on November 1st and 2nd. Families set up alters for their loved ones who have passed away, and they don't just put up a picture or two... They deck these alters out with bright colors, fresh flowers, clothing, personal belongings, and other trinkets and accessories. It is believed that bright colors and flowers signify and encourage life. The Mexican holiday is more about observing the value of life than it is death.
Mexican Sugar Skull.com explains that the holiday stems from the belief that "the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31, and the spirits of all deceased children (angelitos) are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours. On November 2, the spirits of the adults come down to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them."
To my surprise, we arrived to wait in an hour long line to see the National Mexican Museum of Art exhibit and gift shop! Blending indoor and outdoor activities, there was an activity that everyone could enjoy: from face painting to sugar skull demonstrations to strolling the gift shop that had Mexican art, instruments, music albums, and fashion on display. I was so amazed to see how many families and teenagers came out to participate. It hadn't dawned on me yet that everyone was to take part. It was like a ginormous party with extended family!
The whole experience really opened my eyes! Being African American, my family has never really had a cultural holiday to look forward to. I've always grown up scared of spirits and apparitions, but learning about this practice made think of them in a new light. All year long, families wait for the moment to celebrate the lives of their grandparents, brothers/sisters, and even children! They spend hundreds of dollars to make sure their alters bring their souls peace and comfort for the 24 hours they'll be back here on Earth.
Witnessing families set up alters brought up so many emotions. I was sad that my family would never be able to get together with other families like this to hear their stores or celebrate lodge on such a grand stage like this one. Regardless, I was also so grateful to have been there and think of life in a new way. If you're fortunate enough to have cultural holidays, I hope you know how special they are and value them deeply!
With that said, I want you to be motivated to immerse yourself in others' cultures. Look for events and exhibits! Get out there, learn, and soak it all in! You'd be surprised what they teach you, encourage you to keep an open mind, and make you appreciate our differences.