Here’s how we make our altar and how you can make one too: It doesn’t have to be elaborate, and chances are, it will give you an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, as you reminisce about those things your loved ones most enjoyed.
There are no set rules and the point is spiritual, not aesthetic. Even old pictures don’t have the same effect.Īnyone can build an altar for the Dia de los Muertos. Children are visual learners and so the altar brings the deceased into their realm of experience in a way that nothing else does. As with Halloween itself, secular culture sometimes misses the point of these altars (or emphasizes Aztec elements over Catholics ones), but that shouldn’t be a reason for the faithful to abandon them.Ī home altar brings a unique opportunity to call to mind our deceased loved ones, particularly for young kids who may never have met them. Home altars in honor of deceased loved ones are a characteristic element of Mexican celebrations of the Dia de los Muertos, a beautifully Catholic way of living All Saints and All Souls Day, with an intermingling of some historic indigenous traditions as well. Read more: 5 Ways to pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Pam Lane CC It was a few years ago when my Mexican-born husband first decided to bring this beautiful tradition into our family. We’re coming upon the Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead or All Souls Day, and with that comes the ofrendas, or home altars honoring the deceased, and reminding us to pray for them and for any souls in Purgatory. But perhaps even more than living with Grandma, it’s a hallmark of this time of year that brings Grandpa Billy often to mind. Part of that is because his wife of 44 years, my mom, lives with us.
Though he passed away long before my kids were born, he’s also surprisingly often present in my children’s thoughts. Anthony, forever finding my sunglasses, the kids’ treasured toys, and all the other things I can’t seem to keep track of. Dad’s been gone 16 years but he’s never far from my mind, especially because he’s my own personal St. “Mommy, tell me a story,” my brand new 6-year-old said at her birthday dinner this week, “about you and Grandpa Billy.” Home altars in honor of deceased are a beautifully Catholic way of living All Saints and All Souls Day
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