Calendula

(trigger warning: sexual trauma)

Dia de los Muertos is a deeply meaningful holiday for my community and to me. It is a time when I feel most connected with not only my ancestors who’s spirits return in these days to partake in this joyful celebration of the past but, also past versions of myself. Specifically, parts of myself unscarred by the hatred that has weighed down my heart since I was raped on the holiday in 2012. Each year I lovingly cook the foods taught to me by my tia’s and abuela’s and open my home to family and friends to remember and celebrate the lives that were lead before us. Each year I light a candle on the offrenda for my innocence along with each of my lost loved ones and as I do, I replace the weighty hate in my heart with the love and laughter of those most dear to me. I wanted to create something to facilitate such moments, a set of objects that can hold and share the joy I need to continue healing.