Ofrendas and Marigolds and Alebrijes, Oh My!
Feliz Dia de los Muertos!
This was my first year building an ofrenda - or altar and I love how it turned out!
Every ofrenda is different but always includes the following elements: Earth, Wind, Fire and Water as well as Photographs
Earth is typically demonstrated through food - pan de muerto, your loved ones favorite dishes or fruits
Wind is the papel picado. They say that when the papel moves it is your loved ones joining you and making you aware of their presence
Fire is the candles where the flames represent hope and faith
Water is place on the altar to quench your loved ones thirst from their long journey to the living world
Photographs are placed out of those who have passed so that they can be remembered and cross over
There are also a few other elements that you typically see: marigolds (to help guide the spirits home), incense (to help cleanse the air), sugar skulls (to represent death and the sweetness of life), personal objects of the deceased and alebrijes (animals that serve as spirit guides).
Can you spot all of the elements on my altar?
I wanted there to be an all out celebration since this was my first time hosting but COVID had other plans. We kept the day simple with just a few close family members but had an absolutely amazing time filled with love, laughs and music!
No party of ours would be complete without a little jam session from my uncle and cousin!
Let me know if you built an altar this year or plan to build one next year :)
Cheers!
Ash
