'Day of Dead' photo exhibit visits Aurora University

“A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico,” a traveling exhibit developed by the Field Museum with Mars Inc. and on display at Aurora University's Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures, features color photographs depicting a Day of the Dead celebration in Oaxaca, Mexico.

The exhibit includes 26 dramatic photos of a typical celebration in Oaxaca, located in southern Mexico, as well as artifacts from the museum's collection on display through Jan. 8. An opening reception will be from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, at the museum in Dunham Hall, 1400 Marseillaise Place, Aurora.

Artists who contributed images were Ricardo Jose Garibay Ruiz, Scott Vlaun, Guillermo Aldana and Howard-Yana Shapiro.

Meg Bero, director of the Schingoethe Center, said she has chosen a variety of pottery, trees of life and candle holders from the center's collection for the display.

Photos in “Celebration of Souls” depict candlelit home altars, public processions and rich offerings of food — including a row of solid chocolate skulls. Villagers are shown immersed in all aspects of the celebration, including preparing centuries-old recipes for the departed to enjoy, scattering trails of marigolds to guide the dead home, and offering chocolate and pan de muerto (bread of the dead) at community gatherings.

On Nov. 1 and 2, the Christian holidays of All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day, families in villages across Mexico gather to welcome home the visiting spirits of departed relatives on the DIA de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

Mexicans prepare for the celebration, which often includes decorating burial plots, lively family reunions and the preparation of special foods, for weeks in advance. Altars in honor of the deceased are decorated with skeleton models, elaborate wreaths and crosses, votive lights and fresh seasonal flowers.

Traditionally, Nov. 1 is set aside for remembrance of deceased infants, or angelitos. Those who died as adults are honored Nov. 2.

Schingoethe Center hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. The suggested admission donation is $3 for adults, $2 for students and seniors and $1 for children younger than 12.

For details, call (630) 844-7843 or visit aurora.edu/museum.