Remembering Loved Ones

The Day of the Dead is about remembering departed loved ones.  It is believed that on that day the dead are able to return to the world of the living.  For that reason it is customary to set up an "ofrenda", a type of altar to welcome the souls of the visiting family members.

Alejandro drove Nancy, Fred and me to his home to see the family's "ofrenda".  Since his mother had passed away earlier this year, he and his sister took special care to set up an especially nice altar.

Their "ofrenda" includes many traditional aspects.  There are marigolds, whose pungent scent guides the souls to their homes.  The candles light the way.  (There were also marigolds and candles up the stairs leading to where the altar was set up.)  On the "ofrenda" there are glasses of water in case the souls are thirsty after their journey, and food, including bread of the dead, in case they are hungry.  There is incense to be burned, and a bowl of salt to represent purity.  The decorations made of "papel picado" (cut paper) are typical for Mexican holidays.  There are photographs of departed family members.  (Alejandro's mom is in the center.)  In the days before photography, sugar skulls with the names of the departed would be placed on the altar.

Nancy and Fred were impressed with the beauty of this tradition and grateful to Alejandro for sharing it with them.