Traditions: The Magic Power

By Selen

Issaquah School District Parent

Coyoacan, a neighborhood with charming colonial streets. Many houses are now boutique hotels, pastry shops, and restaurants with incredible dishes. There are cozy cafes and relaxing spots to unwind. Coyoacán in Mexico City, known as the "barrio mágico," is rich in Mexican culture and traditions. This is the place I grew up.

During my childhood, walking from my house to the neighborhood market always filled me with a sense of anticipation and excitement. This iconic location in my bohemian neighborhood bursts with vibrant colors of fresh produce, the scent of spices wafting through the air, and the lively chatter of vendors and customers. Whether looking for pinatas, flowers, decorations, cooking essentials, or festive goodies for Mexican celebrations, being at the market immerses you in a lively atmosphere where every corner invites discovery and delight. Walking in the same market that inspired Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera was interesting.

I frequently passed by Frida Kahlo's House on my way to the market. This building has been converted into a traditional museum that houses numerous paintings, photographs, her wardrobe collection, and private bedrooms.

As a child, my happiest memories are rooted in traditional family celebrations. These celebrations fostered a sense of deep connection to my family, friends, ancestors, and country. I enjoyed learning the significance of traditions, which reinforced values like unity and respect for elders. They foster a sense of belonging and identity within the family and can also instill values like gratitude, responsibility, and the importance of community. Coming from a family of artists, it is no surprise that I became a fashion designer.

As a mother, motherhood has significantly transformed my perspective. A notable change I have experienced is an increased inclination to convey my traditions, values, and passion for art to my daughters. Art and traditions have consistently been integral to my life, and I feel a strong duty to ensure they understand and experience their importance.

Fifteen years ago, I began volunteering as an art docent and organizing events for kids and teens to assist schools. I discovered that volunteers play a crucial role in supporting educational programs and enriching students' experiences. Volunteering has bridged gaps in resources, offered diverse skill sets, and enhanced learning outcomes.

I started volunteering in Florida and continued in Issaquah, where I gained experience and connections. I met an amazing woman known for her dedication to community service. Together, we volunteered at school and organized traditional and authentic Mexican events for our neighborhood. Seeing families and different generations interact and share in a community space is indescribable. The initial project grew from a small gathering of friends to a citywide celebration.

As a volunteer at a non-profit organization, I’ve become deeply involved in organizing two traditional events during the year for the City of Issaquah and have developed a skill for one as a Day of the Dead Altar Designer. I want to share one of my favorite traditions, The Day of the Dead. It honors deceased loved ones, believing their spirits return to visit their families. Despite its name, it celebrates life and serves as a tribute to our ancestors. The Aztecs initiated this ritual 3,000 years ago, welcoming spirits back annually instead of grieving.

The challenge of designing altars is exhilarating, as each design is unique. With 8 years of experience, every project feels like the first time. Each altar celebrates Mexico's rich cultural diversity, shaped by indigenous and Spanish influences. Our yearly themes honor and represent specific Mexican communities, promoting understanding through cultural immersion. The design process also requires meticulous attention to symbolism, as each element on the altar carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. For instance, the placement of marigold petals (cempasuchitl) must evoke a sense of guiding pathways for visiting spirits, and the arrangement of candles must create a balanced harmony of light and shadow, representing the bridge between life and death. Incorporating traditional foods, such as pan de muerto, requires ensuring its preparation is both authentic and visually appealing, honoring the culinary traditions of Mexico.

Another significant challenge lies in sourcing materials. Many of the decorative items, such as specific flowers, fabrics, or regional crafts, must align with traditional Mexican aesthetics, which can sometimes pose difficulties outside of Mexico. Collaborating with local artisans or importing certain materials becomes essential to maintain authenticity. Additionally, sustainability is a key concern. Striking a balance between preserving tradition and minimizing environmental impact has driven efforts to use reusable and recyclable materials wherever possible.

The precision in the altar's structural design cannot be understated. Each tier must be sturdy yet adaptable, ensuring it can accommodate heavy elements like clay pots or sculptures while still being flexible enough to disassemble after the event. The engineering aspect requires creating blueprints, testing weight capacities, and accounting for the safety of both the structure and its surroundings.

Lastly, managing time and teamwork adds another layer of complexity. The schedule is often tight, from initial sketches to the final installation, so effective coordination between volunteers is crucial.

Delegating tasks, keeping a clear timeline, and addressing unexpected challenges—like missing materials or last-minute adjustments—demand strong organizational skills. At the same time, encouraging a spirit of camaraderie among team members ensures the process remains a joyful and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

The design process begins with sketches and research to capture the cultural essence through colors, traditions, flora, fauna, food, costumes, and art. This preliminary work inspires the event’s overall design and activities, creating an immersive cultural experience. My designs blend traditional and contemporary aesthetics, often incorporating Issaquah elements like salmon, pine trees, and maple leaves.

Constructing the altar structure, which is integral to the design and often built in tiers. Accurate measurements, foldable or sectional components, and adaptability to various venues are essential. The structure must support heavy decorations while protecting building elements like walls, floors, and windows.

Decorating the structure requires collaboration among team members or family members. For example, we collaborate to create intricate elements such as arches adorned with hundreds of handmade flowers or floral signs. I’m grateful for my amazing team, who put in hours of work despite our busy schedules. This tradition has also become a favorite activity for me and my daughters. They assist in community events, learning the value of service and leadership skills. During October, my house transforms into an altar studio.

Installation takes around six hours with a team of seven volunteers. We assemble pre-made tiers, cover them, and decorate them with traditional items such as salt, water, cempasuchitl flowers, photos, food, sugar skulls, and candles. Each item holds symbolic significance, preserving our traditions while enhancing the altar’s unique design.

An altar is far more than mere art; it is a sacred space for heartfelt reflection and shared moments. It becomes a place to reunite with loved ones and ancestors, fostering an intimate sense of unity through cherished family photos capturing precious memories. Standing before this altar, the warmth of connection to Mexico envelops you, evoking a profound understanding of heritage and identity. I appreciate the commitment and effort of the volunteer team. Thank you for your contributions.

Reflecting on these experiences, I hope that my daughters find their happiest memories in our traditional family celebrations. During their early years, they participated voluntarily but with limited interest. However, I believe these traditions have instilled a sense of connection to family, friends, ancestors, and community.

Two years ago, I arrived home and asked, "Hey, who wants to volunteer at the Day of the Dead event?" They all looked at me like I'd offered free pizza and said, "Of course! We're already in, you know that!"

Mission Accomplished!!! Traditions have a magic power.

Traditions hold significant importance—they contribute to shaping our identities, instilling values of unity and belonging, and fostering connections across generations. Everyone is encouraged to volunteer and assist with the events, as diversity is a priority. As my daughters participate in our traditional events, I believe these traditions will continue to inspire and influence future generations.