Honoring Altar Traditions with Mariah Romero of Fruits of Her Labor

I’ve been struggling with how to keep You Belong Here serving in terms of community, culture, space, and education. With COVID, I’ve learned I just have to be a bit more creative and flexible with how I organize, plan, and collaborate on programming. September’s Write or Die exhibit and the We are Sacred exterior window displays, were all proof that the show can and must go on, safely and socially distanced.

Just in time for the upcoming holiday (Día de los Muertos) and the political distraction that is the 2020 Presidential Elections, I knew it was important to maintain and continue cultural celebration but also to give many in the community an outlet for expression and a form of internal and spiritual healing.

Just recently I got to speak to an amazing soul in the San Diego creative community, Mariah Romero of Fruits of Her Labor Co. She is a spiritual being who practices the art of Altar Ceremony on the daily. For Mariah, the building of an Altar is not just an art form, but a way to keep her mother close to her heart.

We began discussing how altar building can be a form of healing and connecting with our spiritual selves and ancestors. This year has brought so much challenge, loss, and spiritual attack, that we both felt that perhaps our community would need this spiritual form of healing and celebratory expression.

To learn more about the creation of Altars and how you can participate in our upcoming collaboration with a Community Ofrenda at You Belong Here, please read below:

Why do you specialize in altar creation?

Creating altars has been the most fulfilling work I’ve done spiritually. My journey with altars began when my mother passed in 2014. I wanted to find a way to keep her close to my heart. When my mother was alive she was also an active spiritual practitioner with altars and other practices. Recently I found out that my ancestors used to build shrines and host these ceremonies. Most of these rituals are second nature, being exposed to this at a young age has been my everyday life and will continue throughout my descendents.

What is an altar?

An altar is a sacred base to work on, this is where spiritual offerings, prayers, or rituals are made. The root of the word altar means “high place” symbolically a sacred and important space to practice. Altar’s serve as a visual focus of your spiritual intentions, affirmations, prayers, and energy. A quiet place to re-calibrate your mind, and re-ground your energy.

What are the origins of altar creation?

The origin of an altar goes way back to when religion and spiritual practices began. Having an altar nearby or inside your space is a way to honor our spirits and gods. Worshippers place offerings as an act of kindness, and or an exchange for their petition. Till this day in many cultures and parts of the world altar’s are traditionally a part of everyday life.

What are offerings?

Offerings can come in many forms, it’s an act of gratitude to offer our spirits who look after us on a daily basis without us even knowing. Altar’s are my favorite practice to teach my clients, this practice is a tool to help acknowledge their spirit guides in order to become more expressive and spiritually inclined with their life’s purpose. Offering and showing your spirits that their efforts are appreciated on a daily basis will show you favor but, most importantly offer growth and change. Personally I’ve seen this magic happen within myself and clients who allow me to guide them on their journey. Here are some items you can choose from to show your appreciation. Remember that an offering can come in any form, it can be the first thought that comes to mind or it may come to you throughout your day. When gathering your items for your altar, be sure to include these elements: earth, air, fire, water. These elements will activate and invite your spirits.

Fresh flowers or herbs (earth)
Candles (fire)
Crystals (earth)
Cup of water (water)
Fruit or any kind of food (earth)
Letters
Books
Rare objects
Feathers (air)
Poem
Spiritual figures
Music
Incense (air)
Alcohol
Tobacco

How does one choose an offering?

When choosing an offering be sure to choose from your heart and highest self. Remember that the item you’re offering is a gift to the unseen world. We must be intentional. This process should be taken with all seriousness when choosing and placing an offering. One of my favorite phrases is “do nothing without intention”. Either you will choose your offering or it will choose you. Pay attention to the signs and the calling.

What is the history of Día De Los Muertos?

Día De Los Muertos is a traditional celebration in Mexico to honor the spirits who came before us and loved one who have passed. Dia De Los Muertos is a two day celebration, November 1st and 2nd, where we celebrate the passageway between the real world and spirit world; a time for our deceased loved ones to come back and visit us. It is said that on November 1st, the children who have passed come back to visit as angels and on the following day, adults celebrate with large gatherings. Family members prepare for several weeks in advance for the tradition by creating altars, decorating burial sites, and cooking specific Day of the Dead food. Families gather during the night at the cemeteries, light candles, and place flowers on the burial sites for their lost loved ones. This is not a time of crying or grieving. These gatherings are reflective and celebratory, and invite families to gather and honor the deceased with love and celebration. If you are wanting to practice this Mexican tradition, here are some additional items that can be used to build your own ofrenda, honoring those who you have lost, or to make a personal offering to your ancestors. The traiditional offerings include the four elements; water, earth, fire, and air.

Marigolds flowers (earth)
Skulls (earth)
Papel picado (air)
Candles (fire)
Pan de muertos
Food & beverages (water)

Mariah and You Belong Here are collaborating to bring to you a Community Ofrenda for Día de Los Muertos. The exhibit will be opening October 29th, 2020 and open for external social distance spaced viewing until November 2nd, 2020. All are welcome to stop by to drop off their offerings during the following times.