It’s October and for our family it is time to prepare for one of our most favorite holidays, Días de los Muertos (Days of the Dead), or what we like to consider as “time to celebrate life and honor our departed.” Many who have never experienced this celebration occasion, may think how morbid to gather and talk about the dead. Quite the contrary, it’s inspiring, connecting, and fun!
While the traditional day of celebration is November 1st and 2nd, this holiday invites our involvement beginning in mid October through early November. Just like many families join together to organize their Christmas tree, we enlist each other to organize a place of beauty to honor deceased loved ones. Our altar comprises a colorful cloth upon which we place photos or mementos that remind of us our loved ones, marigold flowers, candles, and various skeleton figures called muertitos (Dead Ones) that serve to decorate the altar and bring humor to the occasion.
Our altar, usually in the living room, appears like a family reunion. There are photos of my dad, brother, grandmother, my wife’s parents, and a number of good friends, along with my dad’s work hook, the muertito of an artist that represents my brother, another of a teacher that reminds of us of Maria, and others. In placing photos or mementos of theirs on the altar we remember them and their gifts to us. It’s then not unusual that over the coming days or weeks, I’ll pass by and say hello to my brother, dad or a friend. Tell them I miss them and what’s going on in my life.
