A few days ago, I completed my Día de Muertos shopping — mandarinas (mandarin oranges), manzanas (apples), cempasuchil (marigolds), cresta de gallo (cockscomb), chocolate, and pan de muerto (Day of the Dead bread), thus allowing construction of my ofrenda to begin. I unwrapped photographs of my parents, grandparents, and extended family members; selected some of their favorite things to put on my ofrenda; placed fruit, nuts, bread, and chocolate among the photos; positioned candles, flowers, and incense; and poured my departed a copita (little cup) of water and another of mezcal.
Tonight, the candles and incense have been lit — all to beckon, entertain, and sustain my departed during their brief stay. However, this year, because Muertos falls on the weekend, I choose to believe, like the folks in Teotitlán del Valle, that my loved ones will being staying for 48 hours instead of only 24 hours.
An ofrenda is an offering and I’m hoping my very dearly departed, after their long journey to southern Mexico, will find it warm, welcoming, and nourishing.
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That’s lovely and welcoming. I do one every year now and especially like it with the candles lit. I also include a photo of our family house in Pennsylvania, because, except for my late boyfriend, my difuntos had never been to California where I live, and I want them assured they’ve come to the right place. And from the excellent Casa Latina Bakery in Berkeley I get a beautiful and delicious Pan de Muerto with crossed bones and sprinkled sugar on top. I look forward to eating it myself in a day or two. Of course I’m coming to the tradition as an outsider and can’t experience it in the same way as those who’ve grown up in the culture, but I find it quite moving.
My difuntos have never been to Oaxaca but as the saying goes, “Home is where the heart is.” So, I think your departed enjoy their visits to California!
Thanks for helping me stay connected with Oaxaca in this small but important way. Hope you and your family have a nice weekend and please send our love to Kalisa as well. Besos y abrazos, Dean & Kay
You and Kay are missed but it looks like you are enjoying your new home. I’ll be staying with Kalisa for next weekend’s big wedding and will be sure to give her your love. xxoo, Shannon
Beautiful And very welcoming !Sent from my iPad
Thank you, Jill. It’s definitely a labor of love.
Thank you for sharing. Truly miss the altares and the dolores around Pascua.
I know what you mean. I really missed being here last year for Día de Muertos, though I did make an ofrenda at my California house.
Shannon — I wish there would be similar day here. Caroline, my brother Roger, countless members I knew in the SWP and YSA, more, and including my deceased dogs — of these, I loved Caroline an our/my dogs. I still wear my ring. I reject “getting over it”. Barry
Hi Barry, I remember being very moved by the altar the Latinx law school students at New College used to build. I make one no matter where I am. I think it’s a good and healthy way to continue to remember and celebrate our loved ones. Take good care.