At this time of year, many people are thinking about spirits, ghosts and ghouls. Spooky haunted houses, scary noises and images of skeletons populate our communities. But for me, this time of year is meant to honor those who have come before me-the spirits who made me who I am, and who continue to inspire me long after they’ve left this world. Dia de los Muertos, celebrated on November 1-2, is a Mexican holiday celebrated all over the world to honor and remember family and friends who have died. Sugar skulls, photographs, favorite foods, marigolds, candles and special artifacts create altars eclectically magical and stunning to see. To me, their beauty is worthy of year long display.What altars do you use in your life?
Jennifer Wolfe
Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.
Follow Me:
Comments: 9
Dia De Los Muertos Memories - mamawolfe
November 1, 2013[…] you celebrate Dia de los Muertos? How do you share your […]
mamawolfe
November 13, 2011Hi Michael Ann~ sounds like you DO have altars-any collection that has special meaning when you look at it is an altar in my book!
Hi Inner Chick~ Yes, remembering my ancestors is very important to me.
Nancy~ Thanks! I love the art aspects of the decorations, too.
Nancy @ A Rural Journal
November 12, 2011Although I love the decorative qualities of the Day of the Dead decorations, I’m not one to celebrate. Love your photos. 🙂
My Inner Chick
November 12, 2011–Lovely Post.
I love the idea of honoring our loved one’s who made us who we are now. Xx
Michael Ann
November 12, 2011Interesting. I have thought about this before. We have many Catholic statues and crosses and things around, but not grouped together. We tend to group things together that are important to us, but probably we don’t worship them. Let’s hope! I like to keep feathers, rocks and seashells in groups, but again, not alters. They do make me feel at peace when I look at them. I remember when my husband and I were in Kauai for our honeymoon, we stopped at a roadside Mexican diner. They had the most beautiful Madonna alter set up in a little carved out cove in the wall. I took a photo of it, I was so enamored. I wanted to set up something similar in our home but never did.
mamawolfe
November 11, 2011Hi Brenda~Sounds like you have an altar in the making! Yes, I have been to NM and Colorado…and you’re right. Roadside altars are everywhere. So beautiful and full of love.
Hi Desiree~ Your memorial to your dogs sounds just like an altar to me!
Hi Christina~ I know that I find great beauty in having a space to honor loved ones-you might try it!
Spilled Milkshake
November 11, 2011I don’t have any altars in my life. I really hadn’t even considered them until reading this. Having already lost my parents and all other older family members, I should have one.
Thanks for sharing these!
Desiree
November 11, 2011A most interesting concept, altars. No, I cannot say that I have anything similar in my own life apart from family photos and a few treasured trinkets that remind me of happy times spent with my family. I have a special spot in my garden where the little jars that contained the now scattered ashes of the dogs we have loved and who no longer inhabit this world, are kept as daily reminders of these special companions. I suppose some might see that as an altar.
brenda
November 11, 2011First, love the photos as always. Alters? I had to stop and stuter at this one. I don’t think I have similar. I have pictures of my family littered around the house atop every possible place (dusting nightmare) but the only thing for me that stands out are my book cases and my desk. Have you evern driven through the back roads of New Mexico and lower Colorado. You images remind greatly of the road site memorials – colorful and story rich.