Next to each image we try to include an item that belonged to them. The top level is where we place the images and personal belongings of those who have passed. The second level is where we place the food and special treats that they loved while they were here. We lay out the towel and water so that they can refresh themselves after their long journey. The candles are used to light the way back to us with the fragrance of the flowers enticing the spirits to come back.
The bottom level usually contains candles, flowers, towels, and water. My family has created these altars for as long as I can remember, and it has grown, as we have had to say goodbye to our loved ones throughout the years. This is to welcome them and help aid them on their journey to and from the afterlife. These consist of some of the favorite things that the person enjoyed like specific treats or drinks. The altars contain images of loved ones, candles, sugar skulls known as “calaveras” and most importantly, it is a place for “ofrendas” or offerings for those who have passed. These altars can be simple, but often, they are elaborately decorated in vibrant colors and wonderful images. We drape the levels in vibrant tablecloths and begin to add the “ofrendas” and decorations. For my family this represents the 3 stages of life: birth, life, and death. Our altar usually consists of three levels. One of our major focuses of the celebration is the altar that is created to honor our loved ones who have passed.
We would laugh, we would cry, but most importantly we were remembering all the special people who have come into our lives to make us who we are today. I can remember putting our altars together and retelling stories of loved ones. Instead of sheltering me from this, my mother decided to embrace the loss to teach me about life and used this celebration as a way to welcome his spirit back for a short time. My first experience of loss was the passing of my father when I was a child.
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