i'm new to this concept...not the ancestors concept, but the honoring of them. how do i want to honor them and how do they want to be honored? some folks honor their blood-kin ancestors with a wall of portraits. one of my friends has photos framed in various sized black wooden frames arranged on one of her walls in a collage of sorts. it's very attractive and it also provides an opportunity for her kids (and guests) to ask questions and recall stories. other folks have copious photo albums. my sibling made a calender of old family photos and gave it out as christmas gifts. some folks are avid genealogists.
tracing my roots...telling and remembering stories...collecting (sometimes quickly disappearing) oral histories...grouping photos together either on a wall or table...caring for heirlooms (i have some of my great-granny's yarn and an afghan she crocheted): all of these are means of preserving one's personal heritage, passing it along to others and honoring one's ancestors.
but just who is my ancestor? obviously, any blood-kin of a previous generation (dead or alive). i also have spiritual ancestors (those from my spiritual tradtion(s)), educational ancestors (those who pioneered in the field(s) in which i've studied), vocational ancestors (folks who taught me to weave and knit) and geographic ancestors. this last one, geographic ancestors, is a new concept for me. i find that i have a deep connection with the mountains where i was born and now live. there is a panicky feeling when i'm in the flatlands that isn't alleviated until i'm back home on the mountain. these ancient hills nurture my soul and renew my spirit: they are part of my heritage and hence my ancestors. honoring them by educating folks about their ecology and protection is important.
this post is covers but a small part about ancestors but i hope it has opened up a new perspective on the subject.
edited to add: i also wanted to give some ideas on how anyone of any faith tradition could honor ancestors. i know that some folks have to be more discreet than others with their beliefs/faith and finding ways to do what one feels compelled to do in one's heart while "flying under the radar" can be rather challenging!
