Leslie Chavez

Inspiration

The style of my altar was inspirited by a small altar my aunt made a few months back. It had sunflowers, orange flowers, and candles surrounding a picture of my grandma. I thought it came out looking beautiful. For my alar I chose to use these elements as well as a few colors (red, orange, white) used the day of my grandma’s funeral. For me it felt that much greater to add these elements and, in a way, allowed me to attend her funeral (I was unable to attend).

Some Important Elements

As mentioned in my inspiration it was very important for me to add the candles around the alter. This signifies warmth and protection. My grandma spent the majority of her taking care of others even when it wasn’t her job to. She was amazing and patient with all her children and grandchildren and always provided a feeling of protection. 

I added a bag of candy in my altar because my grandma had the biggest sweet tooth. I wanted to incorporate something she loved, and she always had a bag of candy at hand. When I was little, she would always sneak me a few pieces, so it only felt right to do the same now.

On the side of the altar I added some words my family chose to describe my grandma. I wanted everyone to take part in this altar since we all love and miss my grandma. I love the words my family chose and appreciate who she was when she was alive.

On the other side of the altar I added a poem. My grandma was a mother her whole life, not only did she raise her children, but she raised her children’s children as well as her children’s children’s children. The majority of my family refers to her as mama since she truly took on the role of mother in their eyes.