Woodlands Academy celebrates 'Days of the Dead'

Members of the Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart community joined in traditional All Saints Day and Day of the Dead observances that included an All Saints liturgy at the Lake Forest all-girls college-prep high school Friday, Nov. 1.

All Saints Day, also known as All Hallows Day, is a Christian festival celebrated in honor of all saints, known and unknown. In Western Christianity, it is celebrated on Nov. 1 by the Roman Catholic Church and such Protestant denominations as the Lutheran Church, United Methodist Church and Church of the Nazarene.

"No matter what religion one may practice, we are all called to be saints," senior Andrea Pulaski of Waukegan said in welcoming those attending Woodlands Academy's celebration.

Day of the Dead (aka All Souls Day) is celebrated throughout Mexico and by people of Mexican heritage elsewhere. This multiday observance is often referred to as "The Days of the Dead" because it encompasses Oct. 31 (Halloween, aka All Hallows Eve), Nov. 1 (All Saints Day) and Nov. 2 (Day of the Dead).

During this time, family and friends gather to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died, as well as helping to support their spiritual journey. Day of the Dead is observed not as a day of sadness, but rather as a day of celebration.

Woodlands Academy's diversity club, along with students in Spanish classes and World Religions, created a traditional Day of the Dead altar outside the school's chapel, displaying various remembrances of loved ones who have passed away.

In addition to photos, the altar included items that were treasured by those being honored.

Woodlands Academy's multiday observance of the season began on a lighter note, Halloween Day. Students, faculty and staff alike joined in the fun leading up to the annual Halloween costume competition organized by the school's spirit committee.

Following displays of both group and individual creativity in the dining room at lunchtime, winners were declared in various categories based on the audience's reaction to them.

For more information about Woodlands Academy, visit www.woodlandsacademy.org.

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