How I personalize my dia de los muertos altar
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As someone who did not grow up practicing Dia De Los Muertos with my family, this day has come to take special meaning for me. It’s been almost 10 years that I’ve been making ofrendas and altars of some kind and every year I feel like my understanding of what this holiday really is deepens just a little bit more. It’s definitely changed the relationship I have with my ancestors and helped me heal some of the hurt that was done while they were living.
In the last few years, there has been a significant shift in the awareness and interest in Día de los Muertos, to the point where it's becoming more of an aesthetic and commercialized holiday rather than a day to connect with family. With the increased popularity, people of all backgrounds are feeling called to celebrate.
This is part of the reason for why I created Mystical Loteria, I wanted to present folks with witchy elements of our culture that perhaps are overlooked or recognized as such. I was interviewed on NPR you can listen to the interview with A. Martinez here.
ALL civilizations throughout time have practiced some form of ancestral veneration or showing reverence and remembering for those who came before us. It’s only natural that folks feel called to this practice.
But where some can run into problems is when they try to do the whole "Mexican themed" altar despite being of a different cultural background. This is problematic because the entire point of giving ofrendas (which translates to offerings) is to give your ancestors things and foods they actually liked to eat and drink.
My family is Chilean and Mexican, so I make sure to incorporate both cultures on my altar. It really comes down to whether or not you actually want to do this for your muertos or if you're just interested in making a themed art installation. Because it is totally possible to create an altar that is specific to your cultural heritage while participating in Día de los Muertos respectfully. Here's how:
The main thing is to incorporate the four elements. No matter what you put on the altar, make sure you cover all your bases by including things that represent water, wind, earth, fire and spirit. It’s also a good idea to have levels on your altar and to put the oldest ancestors at the top and then work your way down oldest to youngest.
Cempasúchil or flor de muerto or Marigolds are very culturally significant flowers. Mesoamericans used them to guide the spirits of the dead to the land of the living. Ancient Egyptians used them as a rejuvenating herb, Hindus used them to decorate temple altars, while Persians and Greeks used the petals to flavor food. I'd say keep this tradition no matter where you're from, because all these cultures can't be wrong. Plus, it looks really pretty.
Wind
Traditionally, papel picado represents wind but I do papel picado whenever I feel called to. You can choose something that's relevant to you, not just culturally but personally. Some years I put a paper airplane to represent the wind, because my grandpa used to always make them for me. It's a nice memory I have of him.
Water
This one is pretty straightforward. Water is a conduit. It's also placed there to quench the thirst of spirits who have traveled a long way. I put a glass of water on the altar, but I also put other things that I think my ancestors would like to drink like Mexican Coke. I usually pour shots of whiskey and tequila for my tio and paternal abuelito. And I also put black tea because Chileans love their black teas.
Earth
Food is the representation of earth because that's where it grows. I always do rice and beans, but I alternate between black beans and white rice to red rice and refried pinto beans since Chileans and Mexicans have very different cuisine. I try to make sure I have a little something for everybody.
Fire
Lighting candles for the dead symbolizes lighting their way so they can find us and find their way home. They represent faith and hope. I also light incense and sparklers if I’m feeling it.
Pictures and items
This is where you can get creative. You can put pretty much anything like items of the deceased person, toys, items they would have liked, etc. I don’t usually put personal belongings, but I like to put things they liked, such as seashells because my grandma loved the beach. My paternal grandpa carved that Virgin Mary. But make sure not to include any photos that include the living.