ANDERSON — Students at St. Mary’s Catholic School are joining in a well-known Hispanic celebration with a “Day of the Dead” exhibit of pictures by 72 young artists at the Anderson Center for the Arts.

The students worked with their art teacher, Margaret Arouh, and the colorful works of art exemplify the themes behind Day of the Dead, organizers said.

The works are not pictures of morbid skeletons, but rather they depict the joys of life and how death is a part of life.

Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos, has a long and rich history. This ritual began as a monthlong celebration in August practiced by the Aztecs in Mexico.

After the Spanish arrived in Mexico and tried to convert the indigenous Aztecs to Christianity, the ritual celebration was moved from August to November to fit better with Christianity’s All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Unlike most cultures, the Aztecs and Mexicans embrace death, and there is a joyous feel to this celebration.

Today, Day of the Dead is celebrated in Mexico as well as in parts of the United States and Canada and other countries. Skulls and skeletons are used to symbolize death and rebirth, and it is believed that the spirit of the dead visit their families on Oct. 31 and leave on Nov. 2.

In order to celebrate, the families make altars and place offerings of food such as pan de muertos, candles, incense, yellow marigolds, and most importantly a picture of the soul is placed on the altar. 

If you go

Day of the Dead Exhibit by students from St. Mary’s Catholic School

Where: The Anderson Center for the Arts Community Gallery, 32 W. 10th St.

When: Through Nov. 17. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m.

Information: (765) 649-1248