From sugar skulls to sincere offerings, this is how my family personally celebrates Day of the Dead filled with love, traditions, and vibrant colors.
The Day of the Dead is a personal journey of remembrance, preparing ofrendas, sharing memories and welcoming the spirits of those who are no longer with us. It’s believed to reunite those spirits with their family for a two-day celebration of life. November 1 honors the spirits of children and infants and November 2 honors the spirits of adults.
November 2 is the time when my family and I come together to honor those we have lost. For a day, I feel spiritually connected with those family members while celebrating their memory and spirit through an altar, also known as an ofrenda.
During this time, families will create ofrendas, all unique in style. These ofrendas are filled with pictures of those who have passed along with their favorite foods, personal belongings, sugar skulls and marigolds.
Their favorite foods and belongings are left on the ofrenda as an offering to return every year. A trail of salt is left to purify their spirit along with offering protection during their journey. A glass of water is placed to quench the thirst after the long journey and lastly, marigolds are used to help guide the spirits back to land.
The holiday did not hold much meaning in my life up until two years ago. It was after losing my grandmother that the Day of the Dead helped me feel closer to her for a few nights. By leaving out her favorite foods, a trail of salt, a glass of water and marigolds, my family welcomed the spirits of our passed relatives with open arms.
Some family favorites that we like to add to our ofrenda include pan dulce, tamales, mole, coffee and Coca-Cola. And while they aren’t here physically to see it, we always try our best to make our ofrenda look bright and colorful.
While there is no official “latest,” the recommended last day to set one up is on Halloween. I like to start a few days in advance in case I need to add anything else later on and as many stores now incorporate Day of the Dead decorations, it is easily accessible to buy supplies.
It is also on November 2 that my family and I will all set time aside to come together to pray over the ofrenda and share memories of our loved ones. During this moment, I am often filled with nostalgia while we share the best memories of different family members as a sense of sadness always washes over me as I see my loved ones in picture form. It makes the feeling settle that they are no longer here with me, at least not physically.
The Day of the Dead will always hold a special place in my heart from now on. Coming together as a family to make food, decorate and pray over the ofrenda is something I always cherish each November.
Header Image by Anthony Parker
Be First to Comment