Celebrating life amidst loss: Lessons from Día de los Muertos
This is the fourth and final piece in a series on processing grief, loss and loneliness with art.
Grief is a complex journey, but there are beautiful ways to honor and remember our loved ones who have passed. One such tradition that offers a unique perspective on mourning is Mexico's Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This vibrant celebration teaches us that remembering can be an act of joy, creativity, and love.
Día de los Muertos, observed on November 1st and 2nd, is a time when Mexicans believe the souls of their departed loved ones return to visit. Unlike the somber tone often associated with death in many cultures, this celebration is colorful, lively, and filled with fond memories.
Key components of the celebration
The heart of Día de los Muertos lies in its traditions, each serving as a powerful act of remembrance:
Ofrendas (altars): Families create elaborate altars adorned with photos, favorite foods, and personal items of the deceased. These altars serve as a welcoming space for returning souls.
Marigolds: The vibrant orange flowers are believed to guide spirits back to the world of the living with their strong scent and bright color.
Pan de Muerto: This sweet bread is a staple offering, symbolizing the circle of life and death.
Calaveras and calacas: Whimsical skull and skeleton decorations remind us to laugh in the face of death.
Papel picado: Colorful paper banners represent the fragility of life.
A personal journey of remembrance
Last year, I had the opportunity to participate in Día de los Muertos celebrations, coinciding with the anniversary of my mother's passing. The experience was incredibly beautiful and nurturing for my soul. Joining in the building of the altar at the casa that hosted us was an act of creative expression and remembrance. And each item carefully placed on the altar told a story of a loved one who’d passed on.
The art of remembrance
Día de los Muertos is inherently artistic, blending visual arts, crafts, and personal expression. The process of building an altar is a deeply creative act. It involves thoughtful curation of meaningful objects, arrangement of colors and textures, and often the creation of handmade decorations.
During my time in Mexico, I also kept a travel journal, which became another creative outlet for processing my grief. Collecting ephemera from the sites I visited and jotting down reflections helped me connect my personal loss to this beautiful celebration of life and death.
Art-based takeaways for grief and remembrance
Create a memory altar: Even outside of Día de los Muertos, creating a small altar or memory corner in your home can be a beautiful way to honor loved ones. Include photos, mementos, and items that spark joyful memories.
Express through art: Whether it's painting, collage, or any other medium, creating art inspired by your loved one can be a healing process. Let your emotions guide your creativity.
Write and reflect: Keep a journal to record memories, feelings, and reflections. This act of writing can be both cathartic and a way to preserve precious memories for the future.
Día de los Muertos teaches us that remembering those we've lost can be a celebration of their life rather than just mourning their absence. Through creativity and intentional acts of remembrance, we can find joy in honoring our loved ones and keep their memory alive in colorful, meaningful ways.
Learn more about Dia de los Muertos.
