“Wait, I don’t get it,” said Maddie, watching Jennifer and I carry colorful bits and pieces across the store. “What are they doing?”
“They’re making an altar,” whispered Hannah. “It’s for Dia de lost Muertos.”
“I know that,” said Maddie, then, lowering her voice, continued. “But what are they doing? And why are we whispering?”
“It’s one of the rules,” replied Hannah. “You’ve got to whisper when you’re doing stuff like this.”
“I see,” said Maddie. “But what are they doing?”
“It’s for Dia de lost Muertos,” said Hannah. “They’re making an altar. It’s a Mexican tradition. On November first and second, you set up a colorful display, light candles, and put out little offerings of food and drink in order to help those who have passed on find their way into the next world. It’s so they don’t get lost. Get it? Dia de lost Muertos.”
“I know that,” insisted Maddie with a stomp. “But I can’t see over the edge of the table. What are they doing?”
Hannah shrugged. “Beats me. I can’t see up there either.”
Jennifer and I have admired the local tradition of setting up ofrendas, or altars, in order to celebrate Dia de los Muertos every fall since we moved to Petaluma. We’ve enjoyed the wondrous craftsmanship of these heartfelt tributes to friends, family, and even celebrities (a particular favorite was the one in the window of Heebe Jeebe the year Johnny Cash died). So when Stephanie at Our Best Friends offered us the opportunity this year to help set up a pet-oriented ofrenda, we jumped at the chance. If you have a chance, stop on by and check it out.
“Hey Hannah,” asked Maddie. “You said something about food and drink, right?”
“Oh, yeah,” said Hannah, nodding. “It’s traditional to set out things like bread, mole, and tamales for the spirits.”
“Really,” asked Maddie, scheming. “You think we might be able to get some of those tamales?”
“They’re meant for the ghosts,” said Hannah, salivating. “But now that you mention it, I wonder if we could get a tamale or two-“
“I’ve got it!” exclaimed Maddie. “Quick, where can we find a sheet?”
Stephanie shows off the altar.
View from outside #1.
View from outside #2.
Jennifer approves her handiwork.
Contemplative Stephanie.
—
Seen Around Town:
Maddie stops for lunch at the newly-opened Walnut Park Grill (in the spot that used to be Quinley’s): “What do you mean we can’t get both onion rings and sweet potato fries with our veggie burgers? I’m hungry!”
Spotted on a stop sign on 5th Street: “Sup foo?”
Spotted on a parking sign across from the library museum: “Dennis Daniels: Komin at your face!”
The Herald of Winter: Snowman 2007.
