Dia de los Muertos: Honoring the Deceased and Welcoming them to the World of the Living.
Welcome to a timeless celebration that has been close to my heart for generations – Dia de los Muertos. This vibrant and profound tradition, deeply rooted in Mexican culture, offers a unique way to honor and remember our beloved ancestors who have journeyed beyond this life. Today, we will explore the core of Dia de los Muertos, touch upon the significance of ofrendas, delve into the heartwarming memories we create, and understand how this tradition can enrich our lives and those of future generations.
Respecting Tradition vs. Appropriation
Before we immerse ourselves in the beauty of Dia de los Muertos, let's pause to reflect on the importance of approaching this tradition with utmost respect. Celebrating cultural practices is a way to promote understanding and unity, but it must always be done with the deepest reverence and sensitivity. Cultural appropriation, which involves borrowing elements without acknowledging their significance, should be avoided. Anyone can participate; however, this journey must be approached with open hearts, a willingness to learn, and an embrace of the rich cultural origins of Dia de los Muertos.
Our home’s ofrenda (offering altar): (not shown) Deceased family photos on the top tier with crystals and candles, the second row (photo above) is complete with boxed ashes of our deceased fur babies, flowers like forget-me-nots, dried medicinal/gourmet herbs and mushrooms like lion’s mane and chanterelles, dried fruits, tequila de agave, water, a trumpet, sage, palo santo, an array of living flowers, and hand-painted skulls.
The Significance of Ofrendas
At the heart of Dia de los Muertos, you'll find the ofrendas, the sacred altars. These meticulously adorned structures bridge the gap between the realms of the living and the departed. On them, we arrange offerings, providing our dearly departed with a welcome invitation back to our world. Each ofrenda stands as a representation of the love, respect, and remembrance we hold for those who have transcended.
What is Placed on the Ofrenda
Let's explore some (there are more than listed here) traditional, meaningful offerings dedicated to our dearly departed:
Marigolds (cempasúchil): Vibrant orange blooms that symbolize the fragility of life, guiding our ancestors' spirits back to the world of the living.
Calaveras (sugar skulls): Exquisitely decorated, edible skulls that embody the cycle of life and death, reminding us of the impermanence of earthly existence.
Pan de Muerto: Sweet bread, shaped like bones and adorned with sugar, symbolizing the communion between the living and the dead.
Candles: A symbol of hope and faith, they are lit to guide the spirits, often arranged in the shape of a cross or a specific number representing the deceased.
Photographs: Images of our departed loved ones, placed prominently on the ofrenda, ensuring they are easily recognized by their spirits.
Favorite foods and beverages: The ofrenda is made with the deceased's favorite dishes, drinks, and mementos, symbolizing their connection to the world of the living.
Above photo: Marigold flowers, candles, and pan muerto (bread of the dead)
The Days of the Dead
Dia de los Muertos is a multi-day celebration, with each day carrying significance. During each of these days, you may kneel or stand upon the alter, light a candle or incense and pray, or pay respects and speak with those whom you’ve placed upon the ofrenda. It’s important to recognize that each person you’ve placed on your alter has their own personality and enjoys different things. Traditionally, some of these days and offerings may differ as families have their unique variations, however here is an outline to help you get started:
October 27th: We honor and remember our beloved pets and the ones who have died, been abandoned, and hoping to be adopted. A candle is lit and toys and food are placed for the pets.
October 28th: A candle is lit and a white flower is placed to bring lost souls. Continue to decorate the ofrenda and add personal mementos of the departed, such as toys, school awards, and other cherished possessions.
October 29th: Another candle is lit and a water is placed dedicated to the abandoned, lonely, and forgotten deceased, as well as acknowledging those who’ve drowned.
October 30th: Another candle is lit, pan de muerto is placed for the deceased. Food is added to the ofrenda dedicated to those who left without eating in a tragic way or fatal accident.
October 31st: Place marigolds and sugar skulls on the ofrenda to guide their way. Fruit and pan de muerto is added and dedicated to our ancestors and children in limbo. Dedicated to infants, children, and those unable to have been born.
November 1st: Dia de los Inocentes or All Saints' Day is a day for honoring adult spirits, particularly deceased loved ones. As children arrive, continue to enhance the ofrenda with photographs, toys, and their favorite foods, candies, and beverages.
November 2nd: On this day, families come together to honor and celebrate their ancestors, reminiscing about their lives and enjoying the ofrenda's offerings. Light candles to guide the spirits, and play traditional songs to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere complete with cerveca (alcohol/beers), tamales, fumandos (cigarettes/smokeables), and more.
November 3rd: The last candle is lit, copal resin or other incense is burned and we say goodbye and thank you to our deceased, asking them to come back next year as they’re always welcome in our homes. The ofrenda can be taken down or left throughout the year.
Traditional Dia de los Muertos Songs
Music plays an integral role in Dia de los Muertos celebrations, offering a soundtrack for both reflection and celebration. Here are a few traditional songs to consider including in your festivities:
"La Llorona"
"Cielito Lindo"
"La Bamba"
"La Calaca" (The Skeleton)
"Los Esqueletos" (The Skeletons)
A Personal Journey of Remembering
It is now my turn to pass on this beautiful tradition to my children. I see their eyes light up as they carefully place painted skulls on the ofrenda and their hearts become full as they enjoy the bread and the tradition. Dia de los Muertos reminds us of the importance of preserving our culture, connecting with our roots, and nurturing a sense of unity and shared understanding.
Ways to Participate
Actively participating in Dia de los Muertos can be a profoundly enriching experience. Here are some ways to join in the celebration:
Create your ofrenda: Gather meaningful items and construct your ofrenda to honor your loved ones, forging your unique family traditions.
Learn traditional recipes: Explore and prepare Mexican dishes and Pan de Muerto to share with friends and family, keeping culinary heritage alive.
Attend local events: Many communities host Dia de los Muertos celebrations, including parades, festivals, and art exhibits. Attend these events to immerse yourself in the tradition and connect with others.
Educate yourself: Read books, watch documentaries, and engage in conversations to deepen your understanding of the profound significance of Dia de los Muertos. You and your kids can watch and enjoy the movie, “Coco” which honors the day of the dead.
Dia de los Muertos is a rich and beautiful tradition that not only allows us to honor our ancestors but also creates cherished memories that span generations. As I look at my children, I am reminded that we must pass on the torch of culture and tradition, nurturing an unbreakable connection to our roots. This celebration brings us closer together, fostering a sense of unity and shared cultural understanding. As we embrace the traditions of our culture for ourselves and our children, we ensure that the memory of those who came before us lives on for generations to come. So, why not take the time to learn about this tradition and join the celebration? It's a beautiful and soulful way to pay homage to those who have come before us, keeping their memory alive and creating enduring bonds in the process.
