A Path for the Departed

Yesterday I posted pictures of the "ofrenda" which Alejandro's sister Sandra had set up in their home.  According to tradition, the souls of departed loved ones, journey from the land of the dead on the eve of the "Día de Muertos" and return to their families.

To help the souls find their way home a path of marigold petals is scattered at the entrance of the house and inside leading to the "ofrenda".  The bright color and pungent scent of the marigolds will guide the spirits home.  Sandra and her son Ezra went out and bought a couple of bags of petals, and around twilight yesterday made the marigold path.

 On the sidewalk outside the front door and leading inside

Up the steps to where the "ofrenda" was located

Ezra scattering petals.

Meanwhile, Alejandro lit incense in the burner.

After the flames went out and the incense was smoldering, Sandra set the burner outside on the upstairs terrace.  The odor of the incense also guides the souls home.

These traditions go back centuries, and were performed by the pre-Hispanic tribes of Mexico during an entire month during the summer.  When the Spanish arrived they took these customs and incorporated them into the observance of All Souls' Day in the Catholic calendar.

This is an example of what is known as "syncretism", the merging of beliefs from different religons.