Embracing Tradition and the Empathetic Design of a Día de los Muertos Bear
Build-a-Bear Día de los Muertos Bears
When you step into a store in October, it's nearly impossible to miss the plethora of merchandise featuring vibrant skulls and lively colors, all in reference to the Day of the Dead celebrations. However, a question arises: Are these items genuinely respectful of the tradition and its significance, or are they merely exploiting the occasion for commercial gain? This underscores the critical concept of empathy in design—whether in the design of an exhibit or with merchandise. While the influx of Día de los Muertos-themed merchandise in stores reflects the growing interest in the tradition, it also raises concerns about authenticity and respect.
Years ago, Build-a-Bear designer Sean Ramirez dreamed of creating a Día de los Muertos Bear. He wanted the bear to pay homage to the rich and colorful tradition of the Day of the Dead and ensure it was both artistic and showed genuine respect for the cultural celebration. His vision came to fruition this year. The bear garnered positive sales and responses from customers during the first month of release.
The bear's success demonstrates how design can be a medium for honoring and preserving cultural traditions when approached with sensitivity and empathy.
Inspiration
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a multi-day holiday honoring and remembering deceased loved ones. It originated in Mexico but is observed in other cultures as well. November 1 is Día De Los Angelitos, or Day of the Little Angels when the spirits of children are believed to reunite with their families for 24 hours. On November 2, Día de los Difuntos honors the lives of deceased adults. The celebration culminates on November 3 with Día de los Muertos. Families create Ofrendas, or altars, in their homes or at the gravesite. The Ofrenda is decorated with photographs, candles, and the favorite food and beverages of the deceased. Bright marigold flowers create paths guiding spirits to the Ofrenda. Calaveras, or sugar skulls, also symbolize the holiday. They are typically decorated with colorful icing.
Research and Authenticity
Balancing artistic expression with cultural respect was paramount in creating the Día de los Muertos Bear. Ramirez and the Build-A-Bear team understood the importance of educating themselves and their customers about the tradition. Ramirez says he took a journalistic approach to research, collaborating with individuals who were deeply familiar with the tradition and diving into extensive research. Ramirez relied on feedback from Mexican Americans and friends from Mexico, including PGAV Designer Melissa Rivera Torres. Their input played a pivotal role in refining the design.
Incorporating elements like marigolds and the iconic sugar skull was imperative in honoring the tradition. Marigolds take center stage in the design, appearing around the bear's eyes and on the paws. The bear's face emulates a sugar skull, repeating the motif on the paws and clothing. Hearts, part of the Build-A-Bear brand, also appear in the design. The clothing available for the bear draws the eye upward, while subtle floral and heart motifs add depth and meaning. The Día de los Muertos dress emulates the garment and headdress of La Catrina, a central figure often depicted with a headpiece adorned with flowers.
Ramirez explains, “The design ensures key elements are showcased and supporting elements complement the overall design. The result is visually appealing. By highlighting the beauty of the tradition, this bear has the potential to pique interest and encourage cultural appreciation among a broader audience.”
When the bear was released for sale online, Build-A-Bear invested in advertising to educate consumers about the significance of various elements in the design. Social media posts explained the tradition and elements of the design.
Impact
The Día de los Muertos Bear has garnered an overwhelmingly positive response, particularly from the Mexican community. It evokes powerful emotions and memories, resonating with people on a personal level. Customers have shared stories of how the bear reminds them of loved ones and serves as a meaningful addition to their Day of the Dead celebrations.
The result: a brightly colored, adorable bear adorned with meaning and significance. For those unfamiliar with the Day of the Dead tradition, the Día de los Muertos Bear is an entry point into a vibrant and deeply cultural celebration. Its visual appeal draws people in, and the educational component of the advertising helps bridge the gap of understanding. By showcasing the beauty of the tradition, this bear has the potential to encourage education and cultural appreciation among a broader audience. The Día de los Muertos Bear highlights the power of art and culture to connect people. The design process, rooted in empathy, respect, and authenticity, has resulted in a product that honors the Day of the Dead tradition and fosters understanding and appreciation.
Ramirez says, “I always strive for our products to be well-received, but there's an elevated level of satisfaction when they carry a profound meaning for people. As an artist, there's immeasurable fulfillment in creating something that resonates. Seeing people hug the bear and have a heartfelt connection is incredibly gratifying. Throughout the design process, my primary focus was not only on creating a visually captivating and engaging product but also on ensuring it carried a deep and authentic connection to its cultural significance."
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