Day of the Dead altars
What it is?
Creating Day of the Dead altars is one of the most important Day of the Dead traditions.
Day of the Dead altars are typically created inside people's homes to honor the spirits of their deceased loved ones.
Altars contain offerings for the dead, known as ofrenda. These include items such as:
◦ Candles
Candles are lit to welcome the spirits back to their altars.
◦ Marigolds
These yellow-orange flowers, also called cempasúchitl, symbolize death. Their strong fragrance also help lead the dead back to their altars. Marigold petals may also be sprinkled on the floor in front of the altar, or even sprinkled along a path from the altar to the front door, so that the spirit may find her way inside.
◦ Incense
Most commonly, copal incense, which is the dried aromatic resin from a tree native to Mexico. The scent is also said to guide the spirits back to their altars
◦ Salt
Represents the continuance of life.
◦ Photo of the deceased
A framed photo of the dead person to whom the altar is dedicated, usually positioned in a prime spot on the altar.
◦ Pan de muerto
Also known as bread of the dead, pan de muerto is a symbol of the departed.
◦ Sugar skulls
As symbols of death and the afterlife, sugar skulls are not only given as gifts to the living during Day of the Dead, they are also placed as offerings on the altar.
◦ Fresh fruit
Whatever is in season oranges, bananas etc.
◦ Other food
Traditional Day of the Dead foods that you would find on altars include atole, mole, tamales, and tortillas. Altars also usually include the dead person's favorite foods
◦ Water
Souls are thirsty after their long journey from the Other Side, so they appreciate a glass of water upon arrival.
◦ Toiletries
Likewise, the spirit will want to freshen up after they reach the altar, so a hairbrush, a mirror and some soap are always appreciated, along with a small towel.
◦ Drinks
The favorite drink of the deceased is also laid out on the altar, whether it is tequila, whisky, soda, or anything else!
◦ Items that once belonged to the deceased
Mementos and other things the dead person enjoyed in life are laid out on the altar, and often new things are bought too.
◦ Images of saints
Or other role models who were important in the dead person's life.
◦ Papel picado
These decorative pieces of cut paper are draped around the altar's edge or hung from above.
A note about foods and drinks on altars
◦ The souls that visit their altars do not actually eat or drink what is on the altar. They can't they have no bodies! Instead, they absorb the aroma and energy of the food, which nourishes their spirits.
◦ After the holiday is over, the foods and drinks on the altars are distributed amongst family and friends, but the foods and drinks are now tasteless and devoid of nutritional value, because their essence is gone.
Thanks for your comments
By Diana Karen Sánchez Aragón
Jaqueline Aguilar Castillo
