Here we are in Day of the dead aka Dia de Los Muertos. During Halloween and up until November 2nd of the past recent years we have been seeing an increase in visibility of the sugar skull designs. You know, white skull painted with colorful designs and most have some form of a spider web. Typically, you’ll see it on either a shirt, a design, part of a costume or an actual sugar skull. But as we see these skulls have we forgotten what Dia de Los Muertos is all about?
In Central and Southern Mexico they celebrate this holiday to be with their loved ones because the belief is that on these days their deceased family members’ spirits are able to reunite with the living family members. This moment even if only for 24 hours, is here solely for the purpose of bringing your family together. In short, Day of the dead is a time when a person is able to honor, commemorate and relive the moments cherished with that family member or friend.
I celebrate it exactly for those reasons mentioned and because in my family those that have passed are not mourned, but celebrated for the wonderful life they had. A great way to celebrate is to embrace the natural arts and crafts that come hand in hand with the holiday. Most prevalent is the altar and sugar skulls made for your loved ones. Altar making is an art all on its own but does not require you to be an artist. I have provided some information below to help you enjoy this holiday for years to come.
Click on the links in the instructions to give you more information on making your own altar or making/buying your sugar skulls.
Make your own altar
Things you’ll want to have:
- A picture of you love ones
- Candle(s)
- Marigolds are preferred, but I usually pick flowers which I know they would have loved.
- Their favorite food or snack
- Make your own Sugar skulls, or buy Sugar Skulls on Amazon.
- A table, altar, or special place for the “altar.
First you set the area up, next you arrange all the items, and finally light the candles.
If you would like more information on Day of the Dead, please click on the link.
https://www.mexicansugarskull.com/support/dodhistory.html
Get festive and enjoy those who have come before us.
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Picture from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Calavera_en_ofrenda_with_Cempasuchil_flowers.JPG
