Live Blog Post #2 - Pavithra Prabhu

The topic being discussed is about the symbolic meaning behind ofrendas and the different practices surrounding after a person’s death.

Rosanna builds on how the ofrenda is a reflection of what we have inside of us. Patricia Chookenshaalater talks about how she finds healing by going to her “own private space”, and how her own space is going to the beach. She further emphasizes how going to a private space allows us to connect with ourselves and spiritual heal us.

Francisca then starts the discussion around grievance practice by recounting a question she came across about a person who lost a person they had somewhat known. Patricia Chookenshaa began to talk about how in her community, after a person passes away, her community’s traditional practices for grieving, such as not attending public gatherings, not singing, not saying his name. This reminded me of traditional, Hindu practices that I follow where we do the same things for a year after a close-family member has passed away.