As my grandchildren finished their trick or treating up in el norte, I put the final touches on my Día de los Muertos ofrenda (offering) here in Oaxaca.
A yellow (the color of death in pre-hispanic southern Mexico) cloth covers two chests; papel picado (cut tissue paper), signifying the union between life and death, has been added, along with the traditional flowers of Day of the Dead — cempasúchil and veruche (domesticated and wild marigolds), their scent to guide the spirits, and cockscomb to symbolize mourning. Visitors brought the sunflower and, since my grandfather, father, and father-in-law were avid gardeners, it is for them!
There is salt to make sure the souls stay pure and chocolate, peanuts, pecans, apples, mandarin oranges, and pan de muertos (Day of the Dead bread) to nourish them.
The sweet smell of copal incense and its smoke help guide my loved ones to the feast I have prepared. And, there is water to quench their thirst, as they travel between worlds, not to mention mezcal and cervesa (beer).
But, most important of all, there are the tangible remembrances of my departed — photos and some of their favorite things.
Revolutionary catrina and catrin for my revolutionary comadre and compadre, Sylvia and Nat.
Yarn and a crochet hook for my dear grandmother who many of the abuelas (grandmothers) in Oaxaca remind me of — always wearing an apron, never wearing pants, and incredibly adept with crochet and embroidery thread. And, for my adored grandfather, a San Francisco Giants baseball cap. My grandparents moved next door at the same time the Giants moved from New York to San Francisco and grandpa and I listened to many games together on his transistor radio, as I helped him in the garden.
There are other cherished friends and relatives on my altar, but pride of place goes to my parents. For my father, who was killed when I was only two and a half, there is beer (below the above photo) — alas Victoria not Burgermeister! And for my mother, a fan to cool herself as she dances and a bottle of port to sip before she sleeps.
It’s been a two-day labor of love as I wanted everything to be perfect for my difutos (departed) to find their way and feel welcome in my Oaxaca home.
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View From Casita Colibrí 
So, so perfect, Shannon. We’re in Guadalajara right now, and you helped me understand the symbolism.
Thanks, Terry! Hope you had a fabulous time.
Gorgeous. Thank you for sharing. You created a very meaningful and beautiful ofrenda.
Thank you, Suzanne! The meaning deepens every year.
Your ofrenda is beautiful, thoughtful and respectful.
we constructed one here in our home in Connecticut. Saturday was our annual DOD party and participants brought photos and memorabilia for the ofrenda. It is a wonderful tradition to honor our departed friends and family. We will be watching Coco tonight!
Thank you. I have no doubt you, Steve, and your guests created a beautiful ofrenda. However, gotta say, Oaxaca misses you!
Gorgeous ofrenda! Thank you for sharing
Thank you. It seems to have taken on a life of its own.
Your ofrenda is so beautiful. And thank you for this very wonderful explanation of the various elements that go into it and the symbolism.
Thank you for your kind words. The meaning is so deep and every year, I learn and understand a little bit more.
Awesome ! Una Hermosa Ofrenda ! Put together with much thought, connection, meaning and respect.
¡Muchisimas gracias! Hasta pronto. 🙂
Beautiful.
Thank you! It’s a beautiful celebration of life and death.
The intimate walk through your ofrenda evoked memories of my lost loved ones. I visited my ofrenda for them that lives in my heart. Thank you.
I love the idea of the ofrenda that lives in the heart. Abrazos, amiga.
[…] to participate in, I’d like to share with you the preparations of one fellow blogger. At View From Casita Colibrí, Shannon shows off her beautiful Día de los Muertos ofrenda. You should go take a peak and […]