Honoring your ancestors.

As the veil between worlds thin, it is time think about our loved ones that have passed. For our family we have had so many that have passed. Setting up an Ancestor tree or shrine is a nice start. There are so many different ways and idea of how to honor them. Remember that there is a difference between an altar and shrine, but that is another post.

In Mexico the Day of the Dead Ancestor Shrines and Altars are bright in color and magnificent. They use lots of vibrate colors with flowers and skulls everywhere. They go out to the cemeteries and clean and decorate the graves. They may build private altars in their homes that contain the favorite foods with pictures and memorabilia of the departed. For Mexico the Day of the Dead is a celebration of the lives they lived and it is time for merriment. In Mexico they go all out for Day of the Dead with parades and decorations. Skulls and bones are the main decorations. They can be made from just about anything including paper, food, sugar and plastic. Today the have plastic skulls and bones in every store for Halloween so picking some up and decorating them would not be hard. If you crafty you can make them from paper to candy or food to paper mache and even from recycled plastic containers. You can buy paint and use small craft jewels to decorate them. Masks and skeletons can also be made from any range of paper to plastic. I have seen some that were made from aluminum cans. Dolls and puppets can be decorated in the likeness of the deceased. Several years a go one woman took one of her mothers shirts and made doll clothes. Every Samhain she would brings out the doll and changes the dress. Papel picado are tissue paper cut outs that hang from the celling, on the wall and over the doorways. The are usually bright colors and can be of any designs but mostly skulls and floral designs. Now make sure that you keep track of the edible skulls and your non edibles separate. As sugar skulls are so popular, you don't want any accident and for little kids, accidents can happen.

In China, the Ghost festival is the day that the gates of underworld open and the ghosts are allowed to receive food and drink. It is time to take time and pay homage to your ancestors. Alters are adorn with pictures and a few keepsakes along with candles and incense. As the Ghosts have returned to eat offering plates are set so you can share food and drink with your loved one. Fresh flowers are usually give each week and the main color are red and yellow and usually adorn with modest decoration. The also release miniature paper boats and lanterns on water. They serve as a beacon for the ghosts to return to the underworld. 

So I hope this give you some ideas. I am including pictures of more ideas that you can use. Be creative and think of a way to honor your loved ones.