Día de los Muertos celebrated at TCC

Originating with the Aztecs in Mexico about 3,000 years ago, Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, has become a special celebration of the cycle of human life, love and death in other parts of the world and around the U.S.

Although the dates of celebration are close, Day of the Dead bears no historical or modern connection to Halloween. Instead, it is a revered tradition that joyfully welcomes the spirits of loved ones to reunite with family members through the generations.

On Sundays which fall on the fifth Sunday of the month, Tehachapi Community Church (TCC) members create an alternative church service. On Oct. 30, many church members and friends enjoyed pooling their talents to create a meaningful Día de los Muertos celebration with a beautiful ofrenda, or altar, which members filled with photographs and possessions that reminded them of their dearly departed. Two members spoke of theirs: Julie Bulloch of her husband, Walter; Ed Bullard of his father.

Along with an informative and interactive Day of the Dead slide show, hymns and Mexican music, many marvelous foods were provided by the members. Particularly delicious were Barry Joseph's homemade "pan de muerto" and Mary Horton's fresh-baked skull cookies. A good time was had by all. Attendees loved the idea of this celebration and asked that it become a tradition.