When you think of Día De Los Muertos, the first things that come to mind are probably colorful skulls, skeleton face paint, or big parades filled with music and flowers. It may be easy to focus on these eye-catching parts of the celebration, but at the heart of this holiday is the ofrenda, or “offering” in English. These altars, filled with photos, food, candles, and marigolds, are the way families welcome back loved ones, who they have lost, back into the world of the living.
Día De Los Muertos is celebrated on November first and second and blends indigenous traditions with Catholic influences. According to the Los Angeles Times, “The holiday originates from Indigenous people such as the Olmecs, Toltecs, Mixtecs, Zapotecs, Mayans and Aztecs.” They did not see death as an ending, but as a continuation of life. They believed the dead could re-enter the world of the living. Their rituals included offerings of food, flowers, and personal items for the souls of the dead. This led to the tradition of the ofrenda (latimes.com).
Ofrendas are used to guide souls back to their families and are often decorated in bright colors to help them find their way. Bright orange marigolds, or cempasúchil in Spanish, are one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday. According to a website about Día De Los Muertos, “They reflect the fleeting nature of life. Their aroma helps lure a spirit back” (dayofthedead.holiday).
Indigenous traditions also connect the celebration to the elements of the earth. Candles are placed to represent fire and light the path for souls. A glass of water is offered after the long journey, and papel picado – the colorful paper banners – represent the element of air. Some people place alebrijes, spirit animals, to protect souls on their journey (dayofthedead.holiday). Junior Stephanie Monroy said, “I visited my aunt in Mexico and we put out a stuffed animal of a dog to represent a guardian that watches over the spirits.” This is an example of how stuffed animals are used in the celebration.
Beyond the usual items, some families add things that reflect the personalities of their loved ones. They place their loved one’s favorite foods, drinks, and treats on the alter to provide comfort to them after the journey. Pictures of those who passed are also put out to help the spirits recognize their altar and let them know they are welcome. Personal belongings, such as jewelry, clothing, toys, and musical instruments, are used to honor the person and celebrate their life (dayofthedead.holiday). An ofrenda, the altar, is used to keep the connection with those we have lost, alive. According to Cal Poly Pomona, “The ofrendas represent a remembrance of the departed, a reminder that life is eternal and that presence of the deceased loved one is everlasting” (libguides.library.ccp.edu). Each item on the ofrenda is a way of honoring the dead and serves as a reminder that they aren’t truly gone.
D́́ía De Los Muertos is a time of celebration when traditions bring family and friends together. Ofrendas are set up for lost loved ones. They are decorated with food, pictures, flowers, candles, and other items loved by the lost. Those who are no longer physically with us are celebrated with their spiritual selves by our side.They are not mourned but honored and their lives are commemorated.