But to see what we do have in stock, our current collection of Day of the Dead folk arts for decorating your ofrenda, you can click here.Before we get into the simple way to set up an ofrenda, may I ask, do you know what an ofrenda is or what it means? Ofrenda may be just a word, but oh the meaning and the symbolism. I hope you enjoy building your own unique ofrenda to remember and honor your loved ones who have passed away.īecause I have not been able to go to Mexico for over two years our Muertos collection is very limited. For children, a favorite toy may be placed on the altar. Many people also include the favorite foods or beverages of the departed. Photos and favorite objects: Ofrendas always include photographs of the deceased person(s) which in conjunction with the smells and colors of the flowers, candles and incense help the spirits determine where they should go to reunite and commune with their relatives. You can have the name of your loved one written across the forehead or not.ĥ. Toluca has one of the largest and most famous sugar markets, but many cities have them and one can find lots of charming, unique, beautiful skulls made out of sugar. Sugar skulls: These are fabulous folk art pieces sold in the sugar markets that pop up in mid October, in towns all over Mexico. It comes in multiple colors and multiple sizes. The papel picado for Muertos usually has images of the catrina or skulls or says, "Dia de los Muertos" on it. Papel picado: "Picked" paper or the cutout paper flags are found at all Mexican fiestas. I also purchase the super long ivory colored candles in Mexican markets, whenever I can, so I sell those in the shop when they are available.ģ. I like to put out the Lux candles with the image of the Virgin on them because the color combination is so inviting. Candles: Whatever candles you have will suffice. In the shop, I use lots of artificial marigolds that I collect at thrift shops over the year.Ģ. But if you live in a northern climate, like I do, the marigolds are long gone! You can substitute yellow/gold mums or the magenta colored brain flower (if you can find it!). Marigolds: the color and smell of marigolds is believed to attract the spirits. So here are a few ideas of what to include:ġ. And the color of orange and magenta is traditional throughout Mexico. Mexicans believe the smells of the flowers, food and copal incense are especially enticing to the visiting spirits. The main idea is to make an inviting altar that will entice the spirits of your departed loved ones to return to enjoy a few hours with you over November 1 and 2. Every ofrenda is unique and personal so don't worry about whether you are doing it correctly or not. The photos give you a couple of examples from some of my trips to Mexico during Dia de los Muertos. The idea is to build a shrine that will entice the spirits to return home to visit on the special days of November 1 and 2.
They are a way to keep the memory of that person alive through the annual tradition of remembering what they loved to do, eat, drink and look like.
#Dia de los muertos altar steps how to#
Are you unsure about how to build an ofrenda for the upcoming Days of the Dead? Ofrendas are shrines built to remember and honor people who have died.
0 kommentar(er)
