Finding Home at the Altar: Reclaiming Ancestral Remembrance
Have you ever gone to your friend's house and noticed a plate of food left out but it seems no one has touched it. Smiling faces lit by the warm ambient flame of tea light candles. Flower petals surround the frame that holds the last physical memories of their beloved family members. Often set front and center on a fireplace mantle or side table in the home, so that in passing by a glimpse takes them back to when they were here. A place where their memory will remain, since life is not meant for forever. A plate or an offering meant for their spirit to feed. Sacrifices and offerings left by the living so those gone know they are never forgotten. These things are more than just decoration or a plate left untouched, they were set their with purpose as a tribute or offering to their ancestors or lost family members in their remembrance and honoring. The altars represent a true connection with one's lineage.
Altars are another way that the legacy of those that have passed can be remembered. Whether you include photos, personal items such as jewelry or clothing or offering food or water it is drawing in on the familiar energy and the memories that connect us.
The practice can be seen as a ritual and the offerings or altars can be used for a spiritual connection, meditation, grieving and for some cases even communication with the after life.
Oftentimes when people hear the word altar they think of altars they assume they are only for religious purposes which is why many can tend to shy away. While in Christianity and many other religions remembrance is an important aspect of the practice, as the whole basis is to remember Jesus and everything he has done for us. There is even a history of offerings such as tithing and sacrifices in the bible. However, growing up in the Baptist Church I never considered the idea of altars because the only representations I know of are used for worship. Religion aside, people often shy away from the idea of altars because the only representation that is used in the media has a negative connotation. Whether it is a stalker who creates one for their victims or a serial killer who is a devil worshipper, it seems like a big no no. The stigma around altars has been controlled for so long and many have been afraid to explore the idea. We know that due to colonization or westernization our culture and legacy has been drowned out and covered up. Our truth and stories are often weaponized and seen as dangerous or deadly and often never told. It is up to us as both individuals and a people to figure out our history and teach our own legacy. So, are altars as dangerous or negative as they seem? Is it really an out there practice or are we once again being kept from embracing our truth and empowering each other and ourselves? Is there really danger in embracing the memory of our ancestors? We embrace and celebrate the memory of Jesus, so why are we afraid to do a little something to honor those that have left us. While I am no priest I do know the bible says not to worship false gods or Idols, and if the altar is not used to worship, but used for the purpose of remembrance then it shall be ok.
Some cultures honor the process of remembering their loved ones such as those who celebrate Dia de los Muertos, which is a holiday which originated in Mexico and is celebrated in the culture and around the world today. Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, commemorates the passing of loved ones where families visit grave sites and set offerings on altars. This leaves me begging the question, how does ancestral remembrance look for Black Americans? Does it begin with a fish fry fundraiser and end with a repass and obituary collection? Is it wearing an airbrushed t-shirt with wings and clouds for years to follow? Does it include putting #LLGrandad in our instagram bios? As a culture we must not let ourselves forget where we came from. While I am not saying put down your religion, I am saying open your heart and mind and begin doing research. Maybe we take a day to celebrate their birthday, leaving seats open at our weddings or taking our time out to honor them in our homes.
In ways the altars are empowering and comforting , they are set with the intentions that you have for it. They are personal and familiar spaces to celebrate life and history in order to connect the past with the present. They are often created during times of longing for a connection or missing loved ones. Rooted in culture, tradition, history or within one's personal beliefs and religions the practice can be healing is non negotiable for many. Altars are the livings proof that you can be gone, but never forgotten.
