Items from NPR Life Kit host Marielle Segarra’s ancestral altar include: a Julio Iglesias cassette tape, an address book, a crucifix, a mango candy, a card with a rose, eyeglass lenses, and a ring.
Each morning, I connect with my ancestors. On my bedside table, cherished items remind me of them: my grandmother’s address book, my grandfather’s eyeglass lenses, and a cassette tape of Polish children’s songs, a gift from my great-uncle. These items bring their love and wisdom closer.
Ancestral altars are common worldwide. In Mexico, on Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, people create an ofrenda to remember loved ones. Many Buddhist traditions and African religions maintain altars at home to honor the deceased daily.
Understanding Ancestral Altars
Ehime Ora, who teaches African spirituality, says anyone can create an altar. It doesn’t have to be religious. Altars serve as sacred places, reminding us we aren’t alone, says psychotherapist Camara Meri Rajabari. They provide a focus for ancestor veneration.
Starting Your Ancestral Altar: A Cross-Cultural Guide
Step 1: Explore Your Intentions
Before setting up an altar, define your purpose. Chelsey Luger, co-author of The Seven Circles: Indigenous Teachings for Living Well, suggests considering how to integrate ancestral values into daily life. Her ancestral phrase, Mitakuye Oyasin, meaning “we are all related” in Lakota, highlights mutual respect among all beings.
Your motivation need not be spiritual. Ora suggests viewing it as a moment of gratitude for those who came before you.
Step 2: Choose a Special Spot for Your Altar
My altar sits on my bedside table with my valued possessions. Ora advises any dedicated space is suitable. It’s for intentional communication with ancestors, whether on a dresser, inside a closet, or within a suitcase.
Step 3: Display Objects That Represent Your Ancestors
Altars may include cultural, religious, or traditional objects to honor ancestral energies, explains Rajabari. Relics like crystals, dolls, and photos embody familial connections and past histories.
Seek family heirlooms or memorabilia to enrich your altar. These items, perhaps a vintage item or a symbolic object, reinforce connections. For instance, I keep a Julio Iglesias cassette tape, beloved by my Titi Margot, to honor her musical taste.
If ancestral details are unknown, ask elders for insights that might guide altar selections. Perhaps a favorite flower of a grandmother or another personal treasure can be part of your altar.
Step 4: Start a Ritual
Establish rituals to honor the sacred. Rajabari meditates or prays at her altar each morning, discussing both mundane and challenging matters with her ancestors. Ora mentions offerings of food in some African traditions as a way to strengthen the connection, akin to nourishing the body and spirit.
My ritual includes greeting my ancestors. I sometimes light a candle or wear my grandmother’s rings. Though I never met many of them, this practice honors their lives and grants me peace.
How do you connect with your ancestors? Share your stories or altar photos with us via email at [email protected], using the subject “Ancestors.” We may feature your response on NPR.org.
This episode’s audio was produced by Audrey Nguyen, with digital editing by Malaka Gharib. Reach us via voicemail at 202-216-9823 or email at [email protected]. Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or sign up for our newsletter.
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