Dia de Los Muertos: The Tradition of Ofrendas and Their Meaning

Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a what to honor and remember those that have passed before us.

Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and deeply rooted tradition celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Latin America, honoring the memory of deceased loved ones. Far from being a somber event, it is a joyful celebration that reflects a unique cultural understanding of life and death. Central to this tradition is the creation of ofrendas—altars that serve as a bridge between the living and the deceased. This article explores the history of ofrendas, their cultural significance, how to build one at home, and whether doing so could be considered cultural appropriation.

The Origins of Dia de Los Muertos

Dia de Los Muertos traces its roots back to the ancient Aztec, Toltec, and other Nahua peoples who believed that death was a natural part of life’s cycle. Rather than fearing death, they viewed it as a continuation of existence in another realm. The Nahua held ceremonies to honor Mictēcacihuātl, the goddess of the underworld, to remember their ancestors and keep their spirits alive.

With the arrival of Spanish colonizers and the spread of Catholicism, the pre-Hispanic practices merged with Catholic traditions, giving rise to the Dia de Los Muertos we recognize today. Celebrated on November 1st (All Saints' Day) and November 2nd (All Souls' Day), the holiday is marked by the creation of ofrendas, which serve as a way to invite the spirits of deceased loved ones back into the world of the living for a short time.

A simple home ofrenda

What is an Ofrenda?

An ofrenda is a carefully arranged altar filled with offerings that honor the deceased. It is typically built at home, in cemeteries, or in public spaces, with each element carrying deep symbolism. The purpose of an ofrenda is to welcome back the spirits with items they loved in life, alongside traditional offerings that guide them on their journey. Common elements of an ofrenda include:

• Photographs: Images of the deceased, reminding the living of their presence.
• Marigolds (Cempasúchil): The bright orange flowers guide the spirits with their scent and vibrant color.
• Candles: Representing hope, faith, and guiding light for the spirits.
• Food and Drinks: Offerings like pan de muerto (bread of the dead), sugar skulls, favorite meals, and drinks of the deceased.
• Incense (Copal): Used to purify the space and attract spirits.
• Water: To quench the thirst of the spirits after their long journey.
• Personal Items: Objects that reflect the hobbies, interests, and personalities of the deceased, such as books, musical instruments, or toys.

As noted by scholar Claudio Lomnitz in Death and the Idea of Mexico, "the altar is not merely a space of memory but a threshold where life and death converge."

Building an Ofrenda at Home

Creating an ofrenda at home can be a meaningful way to honor a deceased loved one, even for those outside the Mexican tradition. Here is a step-by-step guide to building a simple ofrenda:

1. Choose a Space: Find a quiet and respectful space in your home, like a small table or shelf, to set up your ofrenda.
2. Lay a Base: Use a tablecloth or brightly colored paper as a base. Traditionally, papel picado (paper cutouts) are used to represent the fragility of life.
3. Photographs and Flowers: Place a photograph of the person you wish to honor in a central position. Surround it with marigolds or any bright flowers.
4. Add Candles: Arrange candles around the photograph to symbolize guiding lights for the spirits.
5. Food and Drink Offerings: Place a small plate of their favorite food, a glass of water, or their preferred drink.
6. Incorporate Personal Touches: Add items that were special to the deceased, such as a favorite book, piece of jewelry, or hobby-related objects.
7. Burn Incense: Light incense to cleanse the space and invite the spirits.

An important element of an ofrenda is pan de muerto (Day of the Dead bread). This recipe from Mely Martínez is outstanding! https://www.mexicoinmykitchen.com/pan-de-muerto-mexican-bread-of-dead/#recipe 

Each element serves to guide and welcome the spirits back for a brief reunion. But for those outside of the tradition, there is a critical question to consider: Is building an ofrenda cultural appropriation?

Cultural Appropriation: A Complex Question

The question of whether building an ofrenda as a non-Mexican or non-Catholic is cultural appropriation is nuanced. Cultural appropriation involves adopting elements of a culture, especially one marginalized or oppressed, without understanding or respecting its significance. In this context, the concern is that creating an ofrenda outside of its cultural roots could be seen as reducing a deeply sacred tradition to mere aesthetics.

Perspectives in Favor of the Practice:
Some people believe that building an ofrenda, even outside its traditional context, can be a form of genuine respect and cross-cultural appreciation. Sarah Chavez, an advocate for death positivity and co-founder of The Order of the Good Death, notes, "As long as people approach these traditions with a spirit of learning and respect, they can create a space that honors their own loved ones while appreciating the cultural roots of the tradition." This approach emphasizes the importance of education, acknowledging the roots of the practice, and being aware of its sacredness.

Perspectives Against the Practice:
Others argue that certain cultural practices should remain within the communities that created them. For many Mexican families, the tradition of Dia de Los Muertos is closely tied to their cultural and spiritual identity. A concern is that widespread adoption outside of this context risks diluting the meaning of the tradition. Building an ofrenda without understanding the religious significance or history could be seen as disrespectful.

Ofrendas Around the World: Similar Practices in Honoring the Dead

The practice of honoring the deceased is not unique to Mexican culture. Across the world, people have developed rituals and traditions to remember and reconnect with their ancestors. Here are a few comparable traditions:

• Obon Festival (Japan): Celebrated in mid-August, the Obon Festival honors the spirits of deceased ancestors. Families clean graves, light lanterns, and leave offerings of food at altars, similar to an ofrenda.
• Chinese Ghost Festival: During the seventh month of the lunar calendar, offerings are made to appease wandering spirits. Paper money and food are burned as offerings to honor ancestors and ensure their comfort in the afterlife.
• Samhain (Celtic Tradition): Predating modern Halloween, Samhain was a time when the veil between the living and the dead was believed to be thinnest. Families left out food and drink to welcome spirits back to their homes.

These traditions highlight a universal desire to remember the deceased and provide a space where the living and the dead can connect. While the rituals differ, the underlying respect and remembrance remain consistent across cultures.

Why Do We Honor the Dead?

Honoring the deceased is a practice that transcends cultures and religions. According to anthropologist Anita Hernandez, "It is a way of keeping memories alive, reminding us of the continuity between generations." This practice serves as a means of storytelling, preserving the legacy of those who have passed and ensuring their wisdom and memory continue to guide the living.

In this way, building an ofrenda—or engaging in any similar practice—reflects a shared human impulse. It serves as a reminder that though death is a part of life, the connections we have with loved ones endure.

Ofrenda are colorful and cheerful ways to remember the dead.

Conclusion: The Heart of the Tradition

Dia de Los Muertos and the practice of building an ofrenda offer a profound way of viewing life and death. It is a tradition steeped in history, yet adaptable enough to resonate with people from diverse backgrounds. For those considering building an ofrenda outside its traditional roots, the key lies in respect and understanding. Approaching this practice as a way to learn, honor, and connect rather than appropriate can allow the tradition's spirit to extend beyond its cultural boundaries.

As with all cultural practices, the heart of Dia de Los Muertos is about love, memory, and the bonds that death cannot break.

FAQ: Understanding Ofrendas and Dia de Los Muertos

1. Is it appropriate for me to build an ofrenda if I’m not from a Mexican or Catholic background?
Creating an ofrenda can be a way to honor and learn about Dia de Los Muertos, but it’s important to approach it with respect and understanding. Many believe that if you take the time to learn about the tradition’s history, acknowledge its cultural roots, and avoid commercializing or trivializing the practice, building an ofrenda can be a meaningful way to participate. However, others feel that certain cultural practices should remain within the communities that originated them, as building an ofrenda without a deep connection to its roots might be seen as cultural appropriation. The key is to approach the practice with a spirit of respect and a genuine desire to understand the cultural significance behind it.

2. What elements do I need to include in an ofrenda, and what do they symbolize?
An ofrenda typically includes various elements, each with deep symbolism:

• Photographs: A way of inviting the spirits of deceased loved ones into the space.
• Marigolds (Cempasúchil): Their bright colors and strong scent guide spirits back to the world of the living.
• Candles: Represent light, hope, and guidance for the spirits on their journey.
• Food and Drinks: Favorite foods of the deceased, including traditional items like pan de muerto, to nourish spirits.
• Incense (Copal): Purifies the space and helps guide the spirits to the altar.
• Water: Refreshes the spirits after their long journey.
• Personal Items: Objects like books, jewelry, or musical instruments that reflect the deceased’s personality and interests.

These elements create a welcoming space for the spirits and symbolize the connection between the living and the dead.

3. How is Dia de Los Muertos different from other traditions that honor the dead?
While Dia de Los Muertos is unique to Mexican culture, many other cultures have traditions that honor the deceased:

• Japanese Obon Festival: Celebrated in mid-August, it is a time to honor ancestors, clean their graves, and offer food and lanterns to guide spirits back home.
• Chinese Ghost Festival: Takes place in the seventh lunar month and involves offerings of food, paper money, and incense to appease and honor wandering spirits.
• Samhain (Celtic Tradition): Marked the end of harvest and the beginning of winter, with offerings left out to welcome spirits into the home. It is a precursor to Halloween.

These traditions share a common theme of remembrance and respect for the dead, but each has its own customs, symbols, and cultural meanings. Dia de Los Muertos stands out for its joyful celebration of life and death, emphasizing that death is not the end but a continuation of memory and love.

References and Further Reading:

1. "The Skeleton at the Feast: The Day of the Dead in Mexico" by Elizabeth Carmichael and Chloe Sayer

   • This book offers a detailed exploration of Dia de Los Muertos, its history, and cultural significance, including beautiful illustrations of ofrendas and related customs.

2. "Death and the Idea of Mexico" by Claudio Lomnitz

   • A scholarly work that dives into the history of death and memory in Mexican culture, providing insights into how Dia de Los Muertos has evolved over time.

3. The Smithsonian Latino Center – Dia de Los Muertos Resource

   • URL: https://latino.si.edu/
   • This site offers various educational resources, including articles and images, explaining the traditions of Dia de Los Muertos and its significance.

4. "The Order of the Good Death" – Articles on Death Positivity and Dia de Los Muertos

   • URL: https://www.orderofthegooddeath.com/
   • This website, co-founded by Sarah Chavez, explores diverse cultural traditions around death, including thoughtful discussions on cultural sensitivity and appropriation.

5. National Geographic – What is the Day of the Dead?

   • URL:https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/what-day-dead/ 
   • This article gives an accessible overview of Dia de Los Muertos, highlighting its roots and cultural practices, along with stunning photographs of celebrations.

6. Documentary: "Hasta Los Huesos" (Down to the Bone)

   • A short animated film that creatively illustrates the concept of Dia de Los Muertos. It can offer a visual understanding of the celebration's themes and cultural elements.

7. "The Mexican Day of the Dead: An Anthology" edited by Chloe Sayer

   • A collection of essays, stories, and art centered around the celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, offering various perspectives on its cultural and spiritual dimensions.

8. "Obon and the Ghost Festival: Understanding Japanese and Chinese Traditions of Honoring Ancestors"

   • URL: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2286.html
   • A useful resource for comparing how other cultures, like Japan’s Obon festival, honor the dead, with descriptions of rituals and their meanings.

9. STV – "What is the Day of the Dead and how are people celebrating?"

   • URL: https://news.stv.tv/world/day-of-the-dead-what-is-dia-de-los-muertos-and-how-are-people-celebrating
   • A simplified overview that may be helpful for readers new to the subject, including explanations of traditional symbols and practices.

10. YouTube Video: DAY OF THE DEAD ALTAR/OFRENDA 🧡 | how to make an ofrenda, my mexican traditions, halloween by Cozyaholic

• URL: https://youtu.be/09YjMTLp6ko?feature=shared
• This video offers a step-by-step guide to creating an ofrenda, explaining the meaning behind each element in a visual format.

Ideas for Further Exploration:

• Personal Stories and Interviews: Including narratives from people of Mexican heritage or those who have celebrated Dia de Los Muertos can add depth to your post. Look for stories on social media or local community blogs.
• Local Events and Workshops: Museums, cultural centers, and community groups often host workshops on building ofrendas or Dia de Los Muertos celebrations. Including references to such events in your area can be helpful for readers.
• Comparison to Halloween: Briefly explore how Dia de Los Muertos differs from Halloween, focusing on the cultural and spiritual aspects rather than commercial aspects.
• Visual Guides and Photo Essays: Websites like Getty Images or Pinterest might have curated photo essays on Dia de Los Muertos altars and celebrations, offering rich visual inspiration.

Images:

Eneas de Troya - https://www.flickr.com/photos/eneas/4072192627/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11952725

Edson2k - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95837998

Luis Alvaz - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=124996367

Luis Alvaz - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=124996364

Gobierno CDMX - IMG_2992, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75039067