The Ofrenda Ritual: Bridging Art and Death
Dr. Angelina H. Rodriguez is a noted expert in the Ofrenda Ritual, having led participants in this immersive, healing experience in workshops across the nation.
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead is a ritual celebrated in Mexico and in much of the United States on November 1st & 2nd with its origins in Aztec culture. Some of the symbols used in contemporary ofrenda-making incorporate the same elements used by the Aztecs. From wooden skull masks to music, food, and flowers, these symbols are intended to honor the dead. But the role of the ofrenda goes far beyond symbolism there is increasing evidence of the impact ofrenda-making can have on those individuals grappling with complicated grief.
As an expert in grief and loss therapy, Dr. Angelina believes every culture across time has found solace in some form of artmaking when it comes to honoring and trying to understand death and says the artmaking process of creating an ofrenda can provide a deeper relationship with the archetype of death. The ofrenda workshops focus on demystifying and destigmatizing the concept of death.
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead is a ritual celebrated in Mexico and certain parts of the United States on November 1st & 2nd. In this video you will see how others deal with pain, loss, sadness and begin to understand how this ritual helps you honor & celebrate your loved ones life. We hold on to that last moment of death / life. But really their life was much more – and they are important to you. We want to invite you to participate in our Day of the Dead 2013 Adventure in Mexico.
Day of the Dead ritual honors the dead by maintaining the basic principles of the Aztec peoples, such as the use of wooden skull masks called calacas and a dance in honor of their deceased relatives. The wooden skulls are also placed on altars that are dedicated to the dead. Sugar skulls are made for the family. The skulls were used to symbolize death and rebirth. Special bread is baked in the shape of skull and crossbones and eaten by a relatives or friends. Marigolds, incense, and candles light the path for our loved ones to come and visit us on this special day. Read our Houston Chronicle article!
Some view death as the end of life, the Aztecs viewed it as the continuation of life. Instead of fearing death, they embraced it. To them, life was a dream and only in death did they become truly awake. To become truly awake you must embrace your pain, loss, sadness, and fear whether you’re dealing with the loss of life, love, relationships and hope.
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