Homemade shrines honor departed loved ones for Dia de los Muertos

Oct. 28, 2006 12:00 AM

Kathy Cano-Murillo
The Arizona Republic

Not all skeletons are created equal. Set aside the skulls and crossbones and the spooky Halloween versions and what's left are happy, colorful calacas for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

Dia de los Muertos (Nov. 1 and 2) is a time to honor our loved ones who have passed away.

Building an ofrenda isn't always upbeat and jovial or only for the sake of the departed. It also can empower the person creating it. Last year, Phoenix artist April Edwards created an ofrenda titled Stage IV: NO FUMAR, dedicated to her father who died of lung cancer.

"Finding closure is an ongoing thing, especially when it comes to a parent," said Edwards, 35. "Part of my altar was a box of my father's favorite cigars that he used to smoke. I tore them up. While I was doing it, I felt wrong, destroying something that he loved so much. But then I wished I had done it earlier and taken a stronger stance with him. In the end, I felt more vocal about smoking and how harmful it is. And I do feel like I have been visited by his spirit."

Edwards presented her assemblage last year at the Vision Gallery and says she received passionate responses from smokers, non-smokers, physicians and other lung cancer victims.

"I had a strong feeling about smoking, and, through my altar, I was able to relay it," she said. "As long as you respect the traditions of it, it is a way to honor someone or something you loved and express your thoughts and emotions on a personal level. Hopefully, that will get some dialogue going."

The beauty of creating an ofrenda for Dia de los Muertosis that no two creations will be alike. Some will be small enough to fit inside a mint tin, while others may consume an entire living room wall. An ofrenda can be a heavy statement about society or a simple dedication to a loved one.

Regardless, each represents the cycle of life, skeletons and all.

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In 2002, I had the pleasure of conducting a face-to-face interview with Steve Irwin while he was promoting his film The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course. Until then, I had never watched his TV series. Five minutes into the conversation I knew I would start watching. His energy and enthusiasm were infectious enough to convert me into a card-carrying Crocodile Hunter fan, which is why I chose to create this Dia de los Muertos ofrenda in Irwin's honor.

Here are basic elements of building one of your own. For more examples, a glossary, photos, crafts, recipes and features, visit dead.azcentral.com.

Focal point: Whatever topic you choose for your altar, you will need a main piece to build around. It can be as simple as a photo in a frame or a large decorated art piece. I took a thin piece of wood, covered it in glitter and affixed a cutout of Irwin (and friend) to the center. I then hot-glued crepe paper around the edges and small plastic animals in the open areas.

Marigold flowers: It's believed that the dead follow the scent of the marigolds back home. Call your local florist for cut flowers and greenery. I prefer to use live marigolds and then plant them after Dia de los Muertos is over - thus continuing the concept of celebrating the cycle of life. If you don't have access to real flowers, you can purchase silk versions from the craft store or make your own from colored tissue.

Prayer candles: These tall glass candles can be embellished with photos, glitter, gems and charms.

Sugar skulls: These are colorful treats made from special molds, granulated sugar, meringue powder and colored icing. The skulls represent death, while the sugar relays the sweetness of life.

Food or drink: The spirits will be hungry and thirsty after their long journey, so set out their favorite thirst quencher or tempting treat.

Miscellaneous: Add whatever other elements you'd like, such as colorful Mexican banners, papier-mâché skulls, more candles and photos, or personal items.

Copal: (not pictured) This resin-like incense is used to lure the spirits home. Copal is hard to find and quite smoky, so oftentimes incense is used.

Labels: collage/paper, Day of the Dead, shrines