As the number of monks at Saint John’s who have ties to Mexico increase so do the customs that they have enjoyed from their own culture. To my knowledge this is the first year that we have had a Dia de los Muertos altar set up.
As this is not part of my own background I did a bit of research on the internet and found the following:
A Dia de los Muertos altar is meant to honor the memory of someone who touched your life. This can be anyone from your favorite aunt to Mother Teresa. Anyone who had a positive impact on your life can be the subject of your Day of the Dead altar.
People also make altars to show their support for others. There have been Dia de los Muertos altars made to those who have died due to AIDS related illnesses, to those lost in the World Trade Towers attack and the students at Columbine.
There are people who believe that those building an altar are trying to raise the dead. This can’t be farther from the truth, because the belief is that the dead are never really gone, so raising them would be redundant.
A Dia de los Muertos altar can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. The purpose of an altar is remembrance, with that in mind feel free to do what you think your honoree would enjoy. Some people take up entire corners of their homes with Day of the Dead altars, others use a simple end table dressed up with fabric and other items. The point is, size doesn’t really matter, what matters is the heart you put into it.
Here is a picture of the Dia le los Muertos altar at Saint John’s Abbey. The marigolds are a traditional flower that is used and different food and drink as well as mementos that the deceased enjoyed when on earth are also included in the display.
There are pictures of monks that have died over the past four years as well as pictures of friends and family of monks who have wished to place their pictures on the altar as well. Personally, as this is the first time I have ever participated in a Dia de los Muertos altar I appreciate the custom as I have been thinking and remembering and praying much more for those people in my life who have died than I have in the past at this time of the year. It is indeed a comfort to me to contemplate their impact on my life and to give thanks to God for them in my life. Blessings, bpv
