The Mtn. ReView Fall 2016 | Page 6

Dia deSymbols los Muertos Altar & Traditions Paper Banners (Papel Picado) represent the element of wind, are typical of many Mexican celebrations but include symbols of skulls for Dia de los Muertos. Candles are symbols of light and hope that are traditionally believed to guide spirits to the altar. Incense made from the resin of the Mexican copal tree is also burnt. Water as well as other beverages once enjoyed by the departed are placed on the altar. Marigolds (Cempasúchil) are known as the flowers of the dead in Mexico, where it is traditionally believed their aroma guides spirits back to visit their families on Dia de los Muertos. Photos and other mementos are placed on the altar to remember those who have passed away. Food, including Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead). It’s traditionally believed that spirits of the departed are nourished by the spirit of food left on the altar. Skulls (Calaveras) made of sugar and other playful, colorful depictions of skeletons represent the circle of life and death. An important part of Dia de los Muertos celebrations is building an altar or “ofrenda” (offering) to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away. Although traditions vary by region, altars in Mexico are typically assembled and displayed in family homes and at cemeteries. For our Dia de los Muertos Celebration, the MVHA will assemble an altar in the Mtn. View History Center on the second floor of the library on Sunday, October 30 at 1:00 p.m. The altar will be relocated to the Adobe Building for our event on November 6. In the United States, a growing number of cities have begun Dia de los Muertos celebrations. A “Festival of Altars” has been taking place at Garfield Park in the Mission District of San Francisco since the 1970s. Traditional elements of a Dia de los Muertos altar are described in the graphic above. We invite members to bring photos of any departed loved ones to display on the altar! Bring your photos to the History Center on October 30 or to our event on November 6. You can also email us your photos in advance and we will print and display them on the altar. Email the photo, the name of the person(s) in the image, and blurb on any special connection they had to Mtn. View to: [email protected]. 6