Celebrate Día de los Muertos with Nicho Boxes

With Hispanic Heritage month starting in September, I wanted my classes to complete activities for Dia de los Muertos. I frequently travel to Mexico to visit family. I always try to do one lesson a year focusing on Hispanic heritage. This year, I decided to create Nicho boxes.

Years ago I did a lesson with a class where they designed and made nicho boxes. A nicho box, or nicho, is a small, decorative shadow box often used to honor loved ones who have passed away. These boxes are filled with personal items, photographs, and symbols that represent the deceased, making them a beautiful homage to memory and remembrance. My past project came out great and knew that my current students would do just as well.

What is Día de los Muertos?

Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. It’s a time for families to remember and honor their loved ones who have passed away. Unlike many other traditions, Día de los Muertos is a joyful celebration of life and death.

This holiday blends indigenous traditions with Catholic influences. Families create altars, or ofrendas, to invite the spirits of the deceased to return for a day of celebration. These altars are decorated with photos, favorite foods, flowers, and other items that the departed loved.

Key Symbols and Elements

1. Ofrendas: Altars set up in homes and cemeteries to honor the deceased. They often include:
   • Photos of the loved ones
   • Candles to light their way
   • Food and drinks that the deceased enjoyed
   • Marigold flowers (cempasúchil), which are believed to guide spirits
2. Sugar Skulls: Colorful skulls made from sugar symbolize the sweetness of life. They often have the name of the deceased written on them.
3. La Catrina: A famous figure representing death, often depicted as a stylish skeleton. She serves as a reminder that death is a part of life.

Objectives of the Project

1. Cultural Understanding: Students will learn about the traditions and significance of Día de los Muertos, including its origins and practices.
2. Artistic Skills: This project will enhance students’ abilities in 3D art, composition, and design.
3. Personal Expression: Each nicho box will be unique, allowing students to choose an important figure to commemorate.

Materials

• Small wooden or cardboard boxes (shadow box style works best)
• Paints and paintbrushes
• Glue and scissors
• Decorative items (e.g., fabric, paper, beads, glitter)
• Model Magic (I recommend the class packs because they tend to dry out fast)

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Steps

1. Research and Inspiration: Begin with a discussion about Día de los Muertos and the purpose of nicho boxes. Encourage students to research the traditions and symbols associated with the holiday.
2. Planning: Have students sketch their designs. They should think about who or what they want to honor and the items they would like to include. This step is crucial for helping them organize their ideas.
3. Base Coat: Students can paint their boxes with a base color that resonates with their theme. Encourage vibrant colors commonly associated with the celebration.
4. Assembling the Interior: Once the paint is dry, students can begin arranging their items inside the box. This can include photos, drawings, or any decorative elements that represent their loved ones.
5. Final Touches: Allow time for students to add finishing touches. This can involve adding text, such as names or meaningful quotes, or extra embellishments. I like to use model magic to make skeleton versions of their chosen person or animal. Usually I have them sculpt and paint once hardened, however, some students added color with markers. It would be light, but many of them were happy with the results.
6. Presentation: Finally, have a showcase where students can present their nicho boxes to the class. This will not only celebrate their hard work but also allow them to share stories about the individuals they honored.

Reflection and Discussion

After completing their nicho boxes, I had students write a reflection on their subject and the process. What did they learn about Día de los Muertos? How did you include your subject, how was the overall process of making the box? I did this through their blended learning platform, however, this can also be done as a group discussion.