The Day of the Dead is a time of celebration and remembrance of loved ones who have passed away.

Things you can do to honor transitioned loved ones: visit the gravesite and pull weeds, clean any debris and decorate the graves of loved ones. Place candles, flowers and the favorite foods of the deceased are placed on the grave. Visit, eat, sing or play music and tells favorite stories about those who have passed. 

For those for whom visiting the gravesite is not viable, set up an altar.
Altars are usually decorated with flowers, candles, pan de muerto, ceramic skulls, and most importantly pictures of loved ones. 
Food placed on the altar consists of the loved ones favorite dishes and treats.  Drinks should be placed in the altar to quench the thirst of the dead after their long journey back home.
Salt is considered the spice of life and is one the staples that are often left at the altar.  The scents of marigolds as well as burning copal (a resin of the copal tree) are thought to be most beloved by the spirits of the dead and invite them back home. 
The rituals used to celebrate the day are varied and colorful.  Yet, all carry the same message, celebrating the day of the dead is a true celebration of life.
#ofrendas #altars #diadelosmuertos #culture #death #life #celebration #soypanameña #latin #latinx #panama #latinamerica #mexico
 

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Dia De Los Muertos 2013: A Uranus Is Blue Feature Presentation

Hola~~~

I’m so excited about the newest episode of Uranus Is Blue (no pun intended) with Elizabeth Vega, The Mistress of Death. I first heard Elizabeth on the UIB internet radio show when she was spoke directly to my soul. Her interview was during a time when my community/tribe was experiencing much loss and she gave perspective and opened up dialogue that I had to that point been very uncomfortable with.

In the newest episode of UIB Elizabeth Vega discusses the origins of Dia de Los Muertos, the Mexican Day of the Dead, as she and some volunteers assemble a community altar to the ancestors.

Check out the Uranus Is Blue interview ~> http://uranusisblue.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-mistress-of-death.html

Check out Elizabeth Vega’s work ~>http://lalobalife.wordpress.com/ 

More info on Dia De Los Muertos ~>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead

 

Adios, El Griot

Dia De Los Muertos 2013: A Uranus Is Blue Feature Presentation