The rich tapestry of cultural heritage and traditions is often celebrated across different parts of the world. One such celebration that exudes vibrancy and warmth is the “Day of the Dead” or “Dia de los Muertos.” Stemming from ancient indigenous Mexican rituals and merged with Catholic traditions, this two-day festivity, celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, is a poignant yet joyful commemoration of the souls of the departed. Despite its increasing popularity outside Mexico, it is essential to understand that it’s not the Mexican version of Halloween, but rather a unique and beautiful tradition with its own customs and rituals.
Central to the Day of the Dead is the construction of altars, or ofrendas, which are symbolic structures laden with elements that serve as an invitation for the spirits of the departed to make a brief visit to the world of the living. Building an ofrenda is a deeply personal and creative process, encompassing a range of elements that reflect the essence of the deceased and the celebratory spirit of the occasion. These ofrendas are adorned with various items that hold cultural significance, ensuring that the memories of the departed are cherished and their souls are guided back to their final resting place with love and reverence.
My First Day of the Dead Altar
Last year, I built my first altar for my family. The experience was been more cathartic than I had anticipated.
I met my husband the same year he lost his mother. He was also coping with the grief of losing his father and little brother two years earlier. I watched helplessly as he struggled to overcome the complex emotions provoked by such profound loss.
Over the years, I’ve admired his strength as he has persevered and channeled his grief into self-empowerment. I’ve also tried to empathize with him when the voids weigh heavy on his heart.
I’ve felt the spiritual presence of these family members regularly. Just as often, I’ve felt the absence of their physical presence, especially during special events, like the birth of our kids and getting married.
I love hearing stories about them, while piecing together their personalities, and visualizing their presence, but am saddened by the fact we’ll never meet in person.
Recently, we lost my sister-in-law and grandfather, both to Covid. Now my husband and I have lost all our grandparents, who are displayed at the top of the altar. My mother-in-law, Cindy, and her son, Kasey are on the left of the altar. My father-in-law, Frank Sr. sits with his daughter, Lydia on the right.
The foods and drinks everyone loved, along with things that were meaningful to them are scattered around. The altar is adorned with a quilt my grandmother made, with my grandpa’s memoir leaning on the front center.
These items are accompanied by oranges to feed their souls in the afterlife, chocolate skulls to represent the fragility and sweetness of life, and candles to give hope and life. The scent of cempasúchil flowers attracts the spirits to visit us, as does the smell of burning Copal incense. Traditional Pan de Muerto sits atop the altar along with other symbolic art and figurines.
Día de los Muertos has provided us with a platform to introduce our children to their ancestors while breaking bread and bringing them to life. I am so glad our family started to partake in this tradition and am honored to be part of a culture with such beautiful and meaningful traditions, and is another reason I’m grateful I chose to live in Mexico.
How to Build Your Own Altar
Building a Day of the Dead altar is a remarkable way to pay homage to the departed. The process often involves carefully selected items that hold special significance, capturing the essence of the individual being honored. Here is a step-by-step guide to crafting a heartfelt ofrenda:
Choose a Location: Select a prominent location within your home or community where the altar can be displayed and appreciated by visiting family members and friends.
Choose the Base for the Altar: Find a table with enough space for all of the objects. Create layers by adding boxes or crates. I use an upside-down laundry basket for the middle of my table.
Cover the Basics: Begin by draping a colorful cloth over the altar table, preferably in vibrant hues that signify the celebration of life. Traditional Mexican textiles can add an authentic touch.
Papel Picado and Tissue Paper Decorations: Hang intricately designed papel picado, a form of colorful paper banners, around the altar. These delicate decorations symbolize the fragility of life and the interconnectedness of the living and the departed. If you are in Mexico, you can find them at any papelería. In the US, you can buy them online or at Target. Drape this over the colorful cloth.
Marigold Flowers | Campesuchil: Place marigold flowers, or campesuchîl, around the altar. These bright orange blooms are believed to guide the spirits to your altar with their vibrant colors and distinct scent.
Elements of Water: Include a glass of water on the altar, representing the source of life and a means to quench the thirst of the visiting souls after their long journey.
Memorabilia and Personal Items: Display cherished possessions, photographs, and favorite items of the departed. These personal touches serve as a poignant reminder of their personality, interests, and the joy they brought to those around them.
Sugar Skulls: Adorn the altar with sugar skulls, which symbolize the sweetness and fragility of life and the willingness to accept the natural cycle of birth and death.
Pan de Muerto: This a Mexican sweet bread baked specifically for this occasion, representing the circle of life and the communion between the living and the dead through shared food.
Bright Colors: Integrate bright colors such as purple and white flowers alongside the marigolds, signifying hope, purity, and the cycle of life and death.
La Catrina and La Calavera Catrina: Incorporate images or figurines of La Catrina, the elegant skeleton symbolizing the transformation from life to death. La Calavera Catrina serves as a reminder that death is a part of life, encouraging a jovial and accepting attitude toward the inevitable.
Candles: Light candles and incense to guide the souls back home and create a serene ambiance that invites contemplation and remembrance.
Incense: Copal incense was burned in Mesoamerica in ancient times and is still burned for special ceremonies and placed on the altar as another olfactory element to draw in the spirits.
Oranges: Besides the fact that orange is a symbolic color for the Day of the Dead, Oranges are often set on the altar as an offering to feed the souls of our loved ones in the afterlife.
By meticulously assembling these elements, you not only create a visually captivating altar but also cultivate an atmosphere that encourages reflection, celebration, and a heartfelt connection to those who have passed away.
As you prepare your own ofrenda or take part in Day of the Dead celebrations in your community, remember that this special day is an opportunity to honor those who have passed, celebrate their journey, and embrace the profound connection that transcends the boundary between the realms of the living and the dead.
With its colorful displays, captivating imagery, and sumptuous traditional dishes, the Day of the Dead is a testament to the resilience of indigenous culture and the enduring spirit of a people deeply rooted in their history. This beautiful tradition serves as a reminder that death is not an end but a part of the natural cycle of life and that our loved ones, though they may have departed, remain forever alive in our hearts and memories.
