Right after Halloween is a wonderful spiritual holiday, Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. My introduction to it was visiting Rocky Point, Puerto Penasco, Mexico for many years, and being amazed by the skeleton artwork and Catrinas. One of my daughters-in-law is from Mexico and filled me in about the traditions associated with the holiday.
One fun aspect is how families set up an ofrenda, a ritual altar for celebrating loved ones who had passed. The movie, Coco, brought attention to the tradition in a wonderful musical way. Through Miguel's adventure, we get to better understand how the altar is meant to welcome the souls of deceased loved ones back to the living world. Then, each item placed on the altar to represent the natural world, comfort for the traveling souls, and a personal connection.
Try This: Celebrate Your Loved Ones
For today and the week, consider creating your own ofrenda and here are some tips that I got doing research for setting up my own:
First, add visual reminders to keep the connection between the living and the dead alive:
- Photographs: A portrait of the deceased is placed prominently, usually at the highest point of the altar, to indicate who the ofrenda is dedicated to.
- Sugar Skulls (Calaveras): Brightly decorated sugar skulls represent the sweetness of life and the playful acceptance of death. They often feature the name of the deceased written across the forehead.
- Personal Belongings: Toys are left out on November 1st for deceased children, while items like books, tools, or favorite beverages are left out for adults on November 2nd.
Next, is to balance the four elements of nature to maintain cosmic harmony:
- Earth: Using bright orange and yellow marigolds is the quintessential symbol of the holiday believed to guide the spirits back to the family home.
- Wind: Delicately perforated tissue paper banners represent the wind and the fragility of life as well as knowing the soul has arrived when the paper moves.
- Water: A simple glass of fresh water is placed on the altar to quench the souls' thirst after their long, exhausting journey from the underworld.
- Fire: Burning candles represent light, faith, and hope to illuminate the path for the souls so they do not get lost in the dark.
Enjoy trying this wonderful way to honor our lost loved ones. It might become a new tradition for your family.