Born from a story of finding connection through family roots
Rooted in Jalisco heritage and California upbringing, Jacquie spent some of her high school years in Mexico, experiencing the spirit of the Dia de Muertos. Visiting the cemetery with loved ones, sharing food, and music amidst tears and joyous feelings, she unraveled the profound meaning of the celebration. She looked back on this time fondly and the experience has never been replicated.
Years later, residing in Singapore, she witnessed the grandeur of Dia de Muertos celebrated by diverse nationalities and cultures. Engaging in the festivities, she longed for one significant element: a space to honor her departed loved ones with their photos, adorned by flowers and offerings.
Over the years Jacquie searched online for a place where she could have this space, but such place did not exist. Knowing that there would be others looking for this connection to their departed loved ones through their heritage, she decided to create it.
"An endeavor meant to bridge cultures, uniting memories and celebrations of the past with the present, no matter where we call home."
Founded on the shared value of preserving cultural heritage
In a serendipitous moment, Jacquie shared her vision with Shinu, whose Indian roots resonated deeply with the idea of honoring ancestors. Together, they forged a partnership, united by a shared commitment of fostering cultural connections and creating a digital sanctuary for remembrance.
And so, MiAltar was born—a tribute inspired by a life lived outside of Mexico. An endeavor meant to bridge cultures, uniting memories and celebrations of the past with the present, no matter where we call home.
About Día de Muertos
The Day of the Dead is a cultural observance that has endured through time and evolved into a worldwide celebration. Rooted in the practices of Mexico's indigenous communities, this cherished tradition honors the timeless bond between the living and the departed.
A long-standing tradition rooted in a rich ancestral history
Traditionally celebrated from the end of October to the beginning of November, the Day of the Dead marks the culmination of the maize cultivation cycle—a vital source of sustenance. It was originally practiced mainly by indigenous communities, where families embarked on an ancestral journey of rituals to welcome the souls of their loved ones back to Earth. This journey was paved with flower petals, candles, and offerings, creating a luminous pathway from cemeteries to their homes.
A celebration that's flourished beyond space and time
Over the centuries, the Day of the Dead has evolved into a cultural tapestry woven with threads of different histories. Beyond its indigenous roots, the celebration now embraces the modern world, uniting diverse cultures in commemorating the departed. It's a testament to the need to remember and honor those who have gone before us.
Today, the resonance of the Day of the Dead extends far beyond Mexico's borders. This vibrant celebration has entered the global spotlight, often orchestrated by Mexican embassies and communities as a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage. The fusion of pre-Hispanic beliefs and Catholic customs, once a bridge between two distinct worldviews, has now become a universal thread that connects people from all walks of life.
The ancestral ritual of the ofrenda
At the heart of this celebration lies the ancestral ritual of offering. This tradition, a bridge between past and present, allows us to commune with the memories and lives of our departed loved ones. These offerings are a symbol of the enduring connection between European and indigenous cultures. Each of the following elements contains its own history, tradition, poetry and mysticism.
Water
Being the source of life, it’s offered to quench the departed's thirst after their long journey and to strengthen them for their return. In some cultures, it symbolizes the purity of the soul.
Salt
Salt is placed on the altar to represent purification and to help purify the souls of the deceased. It's believed that the salt will keep away evil spirits and ensure the souls' journey is free from obstacles.
Candle
Our ancestors used pine torches (ocote). Nowadays, different forms of candles (cirios) are used. The flame they produce represents light, faith, and hope. It serves as a guide for the souls to reach their former homes and illuminate their return. In indigenous communities, each candle represents a deceased person.home
Bread
It symbolizes the communion between the living and the dead, as well as the cycle of life and death. The bread is believed to nourish the souls as they return to visit their loved ones. Prepared in different forms, bread is one of the most cherished elements on the altar.
Copal
It was offered by indigenous people to their gods, elevating prayers and praises, and used to cleanse places of malevolent spirits for safe passage of the soul.
Flowers
They symbolize festivity with their colors and aromatic trails, adorning and perfuming the place during the soul's stay. In Mexico, paths of petals guide the deceased from the cemetery to the offering and vice versa. The yellow flower of the marigold, scattered, forms the colorful and fragrant path that marks the route for the ethereal souls.
The Petate
A bedroll woven from palm fibers serves as a bed, table, or shroud. On this particular day, it functions as a resting place for the souls, as well as a tablecloth for placing the offerings.
The Xoloitzcuintle Dog
On children's altars, a Xoloitzcuintle dog toy is often included so that the souls of the little ones feel happy when they arrive at the banquet. The dog is believed to help the souls cross the mighty Chiconau-huapan river to reach Mictlán, the afterlife.
The Monarch Butterfly
Are believed to embody the souls of deceased loved ones returning to the earthly realm to visit their families. Their annual migration to Mexico aligns with the timing of the Day of the Dead festivities, making their presence a symbol of the spiritual journey and connection between the living and the departed.
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Honor your loved ones with a beautiful digital memorial that your family can treasure forever