Eleanor and Dia de los Muertos

My mom (George’s wife), Eleanor Campbell, was born on Halloween, making her birthday on the eve of Dia de los Muertos. It is only in recent years that I learned about the customs and celebrations around Dia de los Muertos. In fact I doubt Eleanor knew about this celebration. Because her birthday was on October 31st, I feel as if her spirit would be especially drawn to making the journey to this world on November 1st . And I think she would be particularly drawn to coming this year to cast some love around Election Day!

Eleanor Campbell Anderson

Like many other non-Hispanic people, I learned about Dia de los Muertos from the Disney movie “Coco” (for once Disney seemed to get it “right” in representing this Latinx tradition!). I loved the idea that as long as a person was remembered on earth, their spirit would live, could be called back.

In order for a spirit to want to make the “journey” back to this world, there needs to be enticements. Thus the tradition of creating alters evolved. Typical items for the alter include photos of the deceased and loved ones, water and food to sustain them on the journey, and flowers (Marigolds are favored).

So here I’m creating an alter for Eleanor……

Eleanor and George - 25th Anniversary

George and Eleanor with granddaughter, Katie-Sarah

Representing water and food for the journey………

George’s image of Vernal Falls, Yosemite

Bread baked by her beloved son-in-law, Jack

And George’s image of Desert Marigold’s to strewn about the alter.

Me and my mom in the Alps. Mom, I think of you when I’m gardening, when I’m looking at wildflowers, when I’m teaching children about nature. You instilled in me my love for all these things.

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