Day of the Dead

Maria Pellum has put together a display at the Plainfield Public Library to mark El Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a special holiday to honor the deceased. Click here for lots of information on the holiday.

Sugar skulls are part of the tradition. Here is one in remembrance of someone named Ray.

This figure is well-known as a symbol of the holiday. Read more here.

The Virgen de Guadalupe is revered throughout the Americas. Plainfield is home to one of just three blessed images of the saint that were touched to the original tilma, or cape, of Juan Diego that was miraculously imprinted in 1531 (read more here). St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Plainfield received the image earlier this year. The others are in Los Angeles and Chicago.

Look closely at the display after reading about the holiday and you will see many more of its symbols, such as marigolds, candles, food offerings and special decorations.

--Bernice Paglia