![]() Celebrated around November 2nd, it coincides with the Christian All Souls’ Day. In many ways, the Day of the Dead is the quintessential Mexican holiday because it seems to blend European Catholic traditions with Pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican influences more clearly than other festivities. Because of this, in order to really understand what it is about it is helpful to know a little about the meaning and the significance of the whole celebration. In many ways the ofrenda is what the whole celebration is about. While the most easily recognizable aspects are probably the various representations of skulls and skeletons, the one that holds the most meaning for those celebrating is the altar, or ofrenda in Spanish. Support local journalism like this story by subscribing today.The Day of the Dead (“Día de Muertos” in Spanish, not “Día de los Muertos”) is one of the most ubiquitous traditions of Mexican culture. You can connect with Arizona Republic Culture and Outdoors Reporter Shanti Lerner through email at or you can also follow her on Twitter. This is the time to place spicy or savory foods and chocolates, fruits and nuts. 31 as it is said that child spirits arrive first. Toys and sweet foods should be set out by Oct. Candles and flowers can be placed on this tier as well.ĭia de los Muertos is typically observed Nov. The bottom tier should include water for the souls to quench their thirst and salt to purify them on their way back to the spiritual world.(Use care when placing items near candles, and don't leave burning candles unattended.) Foods, mementoes and sugar skulls also can be placed here. Place food, drinks and things the dearly departed loved on the second tier.Other religious items can also be added here. Gods or saints go on top, along with photos or portraits of the deceased. The ofrenda can be organized into two or three layers. ![]() Orange, yellow, purple and black are the most traditional colors of flowers. Start by placing papel picado and flowers on and around the altar.A blanket can be placed over it as a base if you like. Clear a space on a table, box or piece of furniture.Here's a step-by-step guide to making a Dia de los Muertos altar: Here's how to make them How to make a Day of the Dead altar More: Sugar skulls are the ultimate Day of the Dead symbol. notes that sugar skulls are commonly decorated with sequins, colored foils, feathers, beads and glitter. While sugar skulls with their colorful designs may seem enticing to eat, they are more folk art than food. Sugar skulls are made of a granulated sugar mixture that's pressed into molds and then decorated. Sugar skulls: These represent the person who has passed. It's usually placed in clay bowls or other containers around the altar. Salt: Salt helps purify the soul on its way back to the spirit world. For a child's altar, a lighter flower such as baby's-breath can signify innocence and purity. Bright yellow and orange Mexican marigolds, or cempasúchil, are most commonly used. Their fragrance is said to attract the deceased. You can also leave tamales, chocolate, fruit and nuts.įlowers: Flowers symbolize the brevity of life. Mole: This thick sauce made with chiles, sesame seeds, herbs and other ingredients is usually set out for adult spirits. Sweets and other foods: Sweet foods are offered for child spirits to eat when they come to visit. This might be a baseball card, bracelet, piece of clothing, book or favorite CD. ![]() Mementoes: Place a photo of the deceased or any sentimental item that reminds you of your loved one. Saints: A family may have a particular saint that is important to them. Personalize your altar with these traditional items: More: Phoenix's Mikiztli festival honors the Indigenous origins of Día de los Muertos What other items go on an altar? They are often positioned into the form of a cross to represent the cardinal directions to help the dead find their way during their journey to and from the spirit world. The essence or soul of the bread is consumed by the dead when they visit their loved ones.įire is represented by candles. Wind is represented by papel picado, paper banners that signify the union between the dead and the living. These banners have elaborate designs such as animals, pumpkins and skeletons. When the paper moves, it's an indication that the deceased person is present.Įarth is represented by food, especially the bread known as pan de muertos.
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