The Ofrenda
This past Sunday, members of St. Nicholas Parish in Aurora and parishioners from St. Thomas gathered together to learn about the tradition of creating an ofrenda to remember those who have died. We worked together to lovingly create the ofrenda altar in the Narthex.
An ofrenda, meaning “offering” in Spanish, is an altar prepared for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) to honor loved ones who have died. It welcomes the departed through familiar sights, scents and tastes — a reminder that our connection with them continues through love and memory.
As you look at our ofrenda in the Narthex, you will see various items, each carrying special meaning.
- Candles: Represent light and hope, guiding loved ones’ spirits home.
- Marigolds and their petals: Their bright color and fragrance are traditionally believed to guide spirits to the altar; petals often form a welcoming path.
- Photographs: A way to identify and honor the deceased.
- Decorated skulls (calaveras): Acknowledge death as part of life while celebrating the lives of the departed.
- Favorite foods and pan de muerto: Offer nourishment and hospitality while recalling what loved ones enjoyed.
- Water: Refreshes spirits after their journey.
- Salt and incense: Symbolize purification; incense also helps create a sacred space.
- Papel picado (cut-paper decorations): Represents wind and the fragility of life.
- Crosses, religious images and personal belongings: Express faith and preserve cherished memories.
- Multiple levels of decoration: The altar’s tiers symbolize the connection between earthly life and the spiritual world and the journey the soul travels to reach Heaven.
The ofrenda is a celebration of love and remembrance. Please feel free to add a photograph or the name of a deceased loved one. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in the arms of our loving God.
