DIA DE LOS MUERTOS is a tradition in many Hispanic families where we welcome back the souls of deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink, and celebration. A blend of Mesoamerican ritual, European religion and Spanish culture, the holiday is celebrated each year from October 31- November 2. While October 31st is Halloween, November 1st is “el Dia de los Inocentes,” or the day of the children, and All Saints Day. November 2nd is All Souls Day or the Day of the Dead. According to tradition, the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31st and the spirits of children can rejoin their families for 24 hours. The spirits of adults can do the same on November 2nd. As a novice Medium, I know that we can speak to our loved ones 24/7, 365 days, and they are here with us always. But it is fun to honor them all during this time.
THE OFRENDA
An ofrenda in Spanish means “offering”. An ofrenda is an alter usually set up in a home that honors past loved ones. The ofrenda is typically set up during the dia de los Muertos celebrations. The altar can sometimes be quite elaborate but for most it is small and unique.
Ofrendas are very personal. Photos of loved ones, candles, flowers, sugar skulls, food and drink are placed on the alter to represent the personality of the departed, honoring them in life as well as death.
SUGAR SKULLS
The sugar skull, a Spanish calaveras, are a representation of a human skull. Simple enough, the sugar skull was introduced to the Mexican people, long after they were already celebrating the holiday, by visiting Spaniards. They were taught how to make molds with the supplies that they had at the time. Sugar was easily accessible to all the people – and there you have the sugar skull. These sugar skulls were then made and have now become a huge part of the Dia de los Muertos celebration, aka All Souls’ Day in Catholic tradition.
In celebration, the skulls are placed at the altar as decorations to recognize and celebrate the person who has passed. The person’s name may be written on the calavera’s forehead, and the size of the skull will vary depending on the age of the deceased. The colors and decorations of the Día de los Muertos skull will also differ. Some of them are covered with ribbons and icing, and others might be dipped in glitter and decorated with bows and hats. However, no matter what the color, how the skull is decorated, or in modern times what the skull is now made of, you won’t find a lack of them in any celebrating household.
As tradition, I love setting up my ofrenda, welcoming my ancestors and loved ones, having a set time of festivities and stories while the veil between worlds is even thinner.
*My 2022 ofrenda before the real flowers, food and drink.
Simple and personal.
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