Dia Dos Los Muertos: Creating Ritual as You Navigate Grief
Since the beginning of my grief journey I have always been fascinated with the ways in which other cultures honor the dead. Caitlin Doughty does a phenomenal job at exploring the ways in which different cultures honor, care for and remember the dead. Her book From Here to Eternity is the story of her traveling the world to hear from real people about the practices that have been passed on for generations.
In my work as a Death Doula, End of Life advocate and Grief Mentor I have come to realize that the culture, practices and rituals that are used to remember and honor those passed are extremely supportive in navigating ones grief in a way that supports those left behind and grieving. In honor of Dia Dos Los Muertos I am compiling a list of things that you can do to create a super beautiful Ofrenda at home. Whether you are honoring family members and elders whose stories you heard growing up, or remembering a loved on this is a great way to remember, heal and keep their memory alive.
I am also going to be hosting a virtual Ofrenda for the first week on November on my instagram where I will repost your loved one that you are remembering. The grief journey is not linear, this practice allows the grieving to create a ritual in which they are able to develop a connection beyond physicality with their loved one, remember their life and create something that incorporates the spirit of the person who has passed. It has been extremely healing for my family and I. We write letters to our loved ones, put up our favorite photos and create a space that is beautiful and reminiscent of the spirit of their life.
Below I have compiled a list of some items you may want to add to your Ofrenda. I like to add things that remind me of my son Legend. Sage, Lavendar, these leaves that are soft. We collect things and bring them to the Ofrenda as a sort of offering. I light sage in a brass bowl and really just pick up and add anything that is reminiscent of him throughout the first week of November. It has become a tradition we look forward to and has been at the forefront of our healing journey.
