In Mexico the whole Halloween thing is overshadowed by a more ancient version of the holiday: a combination of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day called Dia de Muertos (“Day of [the] Dead” — which this year is today, November 2nd). On this day the Mexicans celebrate the lives of the people they’ve lost, with altars. The altars typically have a picture of the late dearly beloved, as well as bottles of whatever libations and vices the person preferred, favorite foods, and symbolic objects.
Because both my parents would have turned 100 this year, Tom and I decided to put up an altar to our four parents. We traced caricatures of them, then put out champagne for Evelyn, his mom, and fishing line for Ken, his dad. We added fabric from Hawaii, which they often visited.
My mom, Betty, loved jewelry, so I laid some out. My dad was an optometrist, so I put out some broken glasses for him (hope he fixes them during the night) and my camera because he never stopped taking pictures. Also a big bottle of beer; he kept small ones in the fridge in his basement workshop. For both of them, some shells and sea glass. They loved the ocean.
Closeups of the drawings we made of our parents appear below. Click any one to enlarge and for captions.
For sustenance, a couple of steaks, which all four loved, pan de muertos (a traditional sweet bread, baked only at this time of year), candles and marigolds — a flower whose scent is said to attract souls and is sold by the bushel this week. Voila! Our altar was done.
Before we made our altar, we went downtown to tour other altars. One for a child had his own stuffed animals. Another woman clearly loved Starbucks coffee, and another Diet Coke. Lots of bottles of Tequila, packs of cigarettes, and fruit. Hot sauce. The hotels and stores had altars for celebrities: Elizabeth Taylor, who, along with her scadalous lover Richard Burton put this town on the map; Frida Kahlo, whose image is everywhere; Pancho Villa, and other revolutionaries and soldiers for freedom from the Spanish. Or from the last dictatorship.
There is nothing sad about these altars: they are tributes and celebrations. Putting ours together made us focus on our parents for a bit; studying the others made us appreciate so many people, even strangers, and the people who still love them.
I’m so glad we made our own altar. It meant a lot, to both of us. And after we took pictures we drank the champagne and ate the steaks. Our parents would have wanted that.
Chris Flavin said:
Louise, thank you for reminding me of the other side of the ancient Halloween celebration. It’s not about just goblins, Reese cups and Snickers. Your words brought tears to my eyes as I thought about my parents.
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Louise said:
Thanks, sweetie. Nothing wrong with Reese’s Peanut Butter cups, though..
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Marcia Boyd said:
wonderful post and brought back fond memories of our parents meeting us at the Prov airport and at Bonnet. BUT – where’s the Red Sox tribute for your dad ???? Up here in Red Sox Nation (Boston Strong) all is Red Sox this week as they win the first World Series in Fenway in 95 years and the third Series in 10 years. Just saying …. GO SOX
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Louise said:
Didn’t forget…almost bought a Red Sox serape from a street vendor. But still, he’d want at least a red “B”. Will add. Yay Sox!
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Jacquie Moon said:
We love Milagro Theater in Portland. Every year they kick off their season with a Day of the Dead play. They sell candied skulls at their concession stand, and they have a room dedicated to the actors’ alters. We love it! Never thought of doing an alter for my parents. You’ve inspired me to do it for next year.
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Louise said:
Thank you Jacqui! It’s a happy experience,
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Bernie Casey said:
You two continue to amaze me. I knew you were both adventurers and exceptional writers, but your range of interests and your energy in pursuing them and recording them seem boundless. This post reflects all of the above and, as the other comments above suggest, reaches a level of sensitivity that touches the soul. Muchas gracias.
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Bernie Casey said:
I forgot to mention your artistic ability — another revelation. Nice drawings.
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Katharine Doel said:
Agree with Bernie; great drawings! Love this post!
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Tom said:
Let’s be honest. We traced the drawings. It’s what you do when you have no printer: call up the drawing you want on the tablet, put a piece of paper over the screen, and let the artist within go free. (In our case, not much of an artist, but lots of fun!)
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kathy casey said:
Bernie said it all so well. You two never cease to amaze. Your energy, your optimism, your imaginative spirits, your literary gifts. Your parents must have something right. They are looking down at you now and are smiling…
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Louise said:
I think so too. Thank you Kathy, for your ever-gracious comments.
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bettie said:
nice gestures…….
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Linda said:
I had my Spanish class students do an altar one year – it was really amazing how touching they were. Each kid picked out someone who had really meant something to him/her. I had forgotten to do anything this year – thanks for the reminder. That was beautiful Louise (and Tom).
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Louise said:
What a great idea! Must have been very sweet with high school kids. Bien hecho, guapa!
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gallivance.net said:
Louise, this is just the most lovely tradition that I never (previously) understood. I’m so glad to learn that it’s a celebration of life. The altar that you and Tom created is so touching and I love your drawings – your parents were very cool … just like you two. 🙂 ~Terri
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Louise said:
Awww. I never understood the Mexican skeleton obsession either. Travel is broadening!
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Judy Hammons said:
The drawing of Evelyn captured her very essence. I had to laugh when I saw it. Ken was forever in a fishing boat and loved every minute on the river. What great memories you both are building. I have so many memories of them.
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Louise said:
Tom knew right away which images he wanted for them!
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