How to create an Ofrenda
In 2020 I happened Across a Disney movie called “Coco”, and even now words fail me to describe how wonderful this viewing experience was. You can only have that first viewing once, where the surprise and delight of something completely unexpected hits you, but you also know when you have watched a movie that will not only stay with you but also become an annual tradition for your family. Coco is that kind of movie.
It is set in Mexico during The Day of the Dead, a multi-day holiday where friends & family gather to remember their friends and family members who have died. The colors and atmosphere are bright, and sitting at the center of every home is an ofrenda- an altar with photographs of the deceased, often covered in candles, gifts, flowers, and even food. Aztec marigold flowers known as cempazuchitl are everywhere, and in the movie this flower is a kind of conduit for the souls on the other side to pass over and spend the evening of Dia de Muertos with their family. It was after watching this movie that I committed to bringing this beautiful tradition into our own home, and I wanted to share with you some photos of our own little ofrenda in the hopes that you may be inspired to do something similar for yourselves.
“Ofrenda means “Offering”
It is a home altar during the annual and traditionally Mexican Dia de los Muertos celebration. It is usually created by the family members of a person who has died and is intended to welcome the deceased to the altar setting.”
I have three Sons under Age 5.
When i was pregnant with my first, my husband and i would Daydream about What holidays would look like with children in the house. Little hands Helping to decorate, big eyes Looking into lights, High pitched laughs behind my back- these were the rewards for the work of motherhood that i looked forward to.
What i didn’t register was how these vignettes Might be more Influential on me as i walked the first years of figuring out what my Chosen traditions would even look like.
How to involve young children:
Together select a few items That they can place on the altar. I got these little birds made out of natural materials from The Treasure Place in Lancaster, PA.
Talk about what your ancestors loved in life while doing this. Even if the kids have never met any of your loved ones, they can still get to know them through your stories. The entire point of an ofrenda is to keep the dead alive Through the spoken word- let them ask Questions about your grandparent’s or friends- from their favorite Shirt to their favorite flowers, and integrate that into the celebration. Cook their favorite meals either while you decorate or During your Day of The Dead dinner.
2. Make a Paper chain to count down the days until halloween or Day of the Dead
I read this article by The Busy Toddler about helping Children to Understand time in a visual way, and we use this technique for birthdays & holidays when my children Ask, “Is it (insert exciting event) yet?” It’s a cheap and easy activity for young kiddos!
3. Add some art
This print is from open sea design co.
From their newsletter:
“A tribute to Open Sea’s roots in the Yucatán Peninsula, these Calaveras are a celebration of life. Human skulls wreathed in silver frames overflow with fecundity, an abundance of flowers and insects. This is an offering to the ancestors, and an opportunity for the living to heal through memory. This ancient tradition is found in the art left behind by the Mayan, Aztec, and Toltec people, and is an integral part of modern Mexican symbolism. To confront death is to overcome fear. These are joyful works which honor the sacred balance between existence and the afterlife.”
I love walking By the open door to my living room and seeing our altar. While the candles aren’t always lit, the photographs and Warmth of a table covered in orange marigolds all october long brings a smile to my face. This season Of apprehension for many- the coming cold and the start of the holiday season. symbols and rituals give us the opportunity to Step into each new season with intention and Gratitude. May your home be a place Of magic this Hallowed season.
