When you grow up in a tiny Mexican border town, there are many things that are the norm in your world. Most everyone goes to the same Catholic church and celebrates the same holidays. The culture is shared amongst the town. There is a norm that, as a child you don't realize is only the norm to your town (and other areas that share such traditions and beliefs), and not the whole world. A perfect example of this is Day of the Dead, known as El Dia de los Muertos (All Souls' Day)
On November 2nd people flock to the old cemetery in the town I grew up in, where their loved ones who have passed on, are buried. Marigolds and flowers of all kinds fill the area, and people tidy up grave sites. (November 1st is All Saints Day and November 2nd, All Soul's Day ~ Dia de los Muertos).
Many people have altars in their homes as well, to house statues and photos honoring their religious beliefs and/or memories of loved ones that have passed. In Southern Arizona, you will see shrines and altars built on to the front of people's homes, in parks, on the side of the road and many other places.
I have great love for these shrines and altars and have shared many throughout the years here on my blog. Here, here, here and here are a few- and others I can't find right now ;)
I personally have little shrines at both of my houses, reminding me of my beliefs, my heritage and those I love who have passed away as well as those who are still with us. I am reminded every day, and I love that feeling.
With that, I will take you through my jasmine arbor and into my little courtyard garden at the city house for this year's Dia de los Muertos...
I light my candles and sit in silence, embracing the beauty...
I fill my giant candelabra with fresh flowers, one by one, as thoughts fill my mind.
I think of my Aunt Pat (My Mother's sister) who we lost a few years ago. I think about how Thanksgiving is coming, and how she loved to pick at the turkey while either my Uncle Pelon (brother) or my Aunt Denise (sister) were trying to carve the turkey. We used to think that was so terribly annoying of her, picking at the turkey. Now, I would love to have her here, picking at the turkey all she wants. I learn about the trivial things we choose to make issues out of, and I let them go...
I light a candle for her...
I think about my maternal Great-Grandfather who came here from France. How I would love to sit and ask him a million questions. I think about his sister who I am told I look like. I wonder if there is a whole flock of people in France that I might look like, that are long lost relatives...
I think about my Grandpa Valencia who has been gone since I was a teen. I can still smell and feel his garage/shop. Car paint, paint thinner and cigarettes. I see his kind gentle smile quite vividly. I might be wrong, but I feel like he was trapped in his little world, and would go into his workshop to escape. I wonder if he had the mad passion for freedom of mind, like I do. I feel lucky for the chance to pursue my dreams, and I get a lump in my throat, wishing he could have tasted a bit of the freedom I feel...
I think about my 3 grandparents who are alive and kicking and give vast thanks. I light candles for my parents and my siblings. For the man I love, and for our furry babies. And while I remember those that have passed away, I am thankful that so many of my loved ones are still with us...
I dedicate this post to memory of all of my loved ones who have passed away, as well as yours. May the memories we hold of them be vivid and beautiful...
Lovely Stephanie of Rodrigvitz Style is hosting her annual Dia de Bloglandia event today.
Details about joining and beautiful photos and shrines are over at her wonderful virtual Mango Studio.
Building a shrine in the memory of someone you have lost can be incredibly healing and therapeutic. You don't have to be a part of any religion to build a memorial as such. So perhaps, building a shrine might help your heart heal, if you are feeling the pain of loss, or if you simply want to have a special physical place to hold the memories of loved ones...
See you very soon!
♥, V