🌼 Honoring the Light Within: A Día de los Muertos Reflection
As October comes to a close, we enter one of the most meaningful times of the year — Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. More than a single day, it is a weeklong celebration filled with color, remembrance, and love — a time when families honor the spirits of those who have passed, welcoming them back home through light, scent, and memory.
At Mi Madre Candle Co., this tradition holds a special place in our hearts. Our brand was born from love, memory, and the desire to keep those we cherish close, especially, my mother, Olivia and Mother in law, Angela, and recently, my best friend, Melinda, all these women left such a profound influence on me.
💀 The Meaning Behind Día de los Muertos
Originating in Mexico and celebrated across Latin America, Día de los Muertos blends ancient Aztec customs with Catholic traditions brought during colonization. It is not a day of sadness, but a celebration of life and legacy — a reminder that our loved ones continue to live on through our memories and stories.
Throughout the week, families honor different spirits:
October 27: A day to remember and honor pets who have passed, recognizing their unconditional love and companionship.
October 28–30: Days to honor those who passed tragically or without family.
November 1: Known as Día de los Angelitos, this day is dedicated to children and infants who have passed.
November 2: The traditional Día de los Muertos — a day for all souls, when families reunite in spirit through food, offerings, and light.
🌼 The Symbolism of Light and Marigolds
The cempasúchil (pronounced sem-pah-SOO-cheel), or marigold, is known as the flower of the dead. Its golden hue and earthy scent are said to guide spirits home. Each petal, each flicker of a candle flame, symbolizes the pathway between the living and the spirit world — reminding us that love never fades, it simply transforms.
Lighting a candle is a sacred act of connection. It’s our way of saying, “You are remembered. You are loved. You are still with us.”
🕊️ Celebrating Tradition Here in the U.S.
While Día de los Muertos has long been celebrated in Mexico, its beautiful message of remembrance has grown across the United States. Many people who didn’t grow up with their own ofrenda — an altar of remembrance — are now embracing this tradition as a way to reconnect with their roots or to honor loved ones in a meaningful, inclusive way.
At Mi Madre Candle Co., we honor this growing tradition and encourage everyone to find their own way to celebrate — whether through a small home altar, a shared family meal, or simply by lighting a candle and speaking the names of those they miss.
In Austin, we’re excited to see how this celebration continues to flourish. This year, Waterloo Greenway will host a two-day Día de los Muertos celebration featuring live music, community ofrendas, dancing, and cultural art — a beautiful opportunity to gather, learn, and honor together.
🌸 Creating Your Own Ofrenda
An ofrenda is a sacred space filled with offerings — symbols of life, love, and memory. Here’s how you can create one at home:
Place a photo of your loved one at the center.
Add marigolds or mums (crisantemos) to fill the space with color and fragrance.
Include their favorite foods, drinks, or small keepsakes.
Light your Soul de la Tierra candle as a grounding tribute, or use our Luz de Recuerdo unscented candle for a soft, peaceful glow.
Each flame carries a memory — and each memory keeps its spirit alive.
💬 A Time to Remember
This season reminds us that love transcends time and distance. Every story told, every memory shared, and every candle lit connects us not only to our loved ones but also to one another. As Día de los Muertos continues to grow in the U.S., may we all embrace its message — to celebrate life, honor memory, and keep the light of love glowing bright.
To honor this meaningful time, we’ve also created our Luz de Recuerdo candle — a soft, unscented candle made to glow beautifully on any altar or remembrance space. It’s a simple yet powerful way to keep the flame of love alive.
From our Mi Madre family to yours — we honor the light within all who came before us.
📚 Learn More
If you’d like to explore more about the history and traditions of Día de los Muertos, here are a few wonderful resources:
PBS: Beyond Sugar Skulls: The History and Culture of Dia de los Muertos
