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"Non-Traditional Tidbits for the Day of the Dead"

The Altar

Rooted in Pre-Hispanic and Spanish Catholic practices, the altar is central to observing the Day of the Dead. It ensures the good relations between the family on earth and the family in the afterworld. Adornment varies from region to region, the importance of the family or friend being remembered and the family’s earnings.

Whatever the deceased enjoyed in life is remembered in preparing the altar. Photographs occupy the center, and names are spelled out with cloves on fruits, and with pens on nuts. Religious images are placed on the altar, in the hope that saints protect the soul on its journey back to the afterworld. Decorations may also include the Tree of Death, tombstones, lyres, flowers, skulls, copal burning in a clay censer, and delicately formed hearts.

Altars are a multi-level feast with enough “soul food” set out to provide the sustenance required by the visiting soul.

 
   
 

Tombstones

The cross is an important element of tombstone design. A variant of this shape was used by indigenous people before the Spaniards arrived to symbolize the four cardinal directions.

Information taken from “Indo-Hispanic Folk Art II” by Bobbi Salina

   

Pet tree

We have created a small memorial to our beloved pets who have gone to the spirit world.

Please join in and take a leaf, write their name, even a message if you like, and tie the leaf to our tree.
 

Huichol Yarn Paintings (Nearikas) Developed within the last century, and made with sun warmed beeswax mixed with pine resin spread evenly on a piece of plywood. The artist sketches symbols from a collection of sacred symbols based on visions, religion, and history.

Symbols:White is the cloud spirits.Blue is the South, the Pacific Ocean, water, rain, and femininity.Red is the East, grandfather, fire, and masculinityGreen is the earth, Heaven, healing, the heart and Grandfather growth.The eagle is a divine guardianThe rabbit and serpent represent fertility.The two headed eagle is God looking all ways at once.The figure, with what appears to be long protrusions from his head, is a Shaman talking with Gods or other spirits. The deer represents peyote, the elder brother deer, in addition to the link between the Shaman and the great spirit.Flowers, which always adorn their artwork is the passageway of the heart, and mirrors the spirits into the world.
 
       
Check out the people workinng on their own creations. This one was made by Cristina.