One of the most significant traditions associated with this holiday is the decoration of personalized, homemade altars (known as ofrendas in Spanish), dedicated to the memory of the departed.Īltars are homemade and personalized, so each one of them is unique in its own way. It’s believed that during this celebration, the spirits of the dead come back to spend some time among the living, so families and friends gather to welcome the souls of their loved ones. This festivity takes place on the 1st and 2nd of November. The Historical Origins of Día de los Muertos Altarĭía de los Muertos is a multiple day holiday that originated in Mexico, and which celebrates the dead. Visit Day of the Dead Resources to find library books for kids and adults, downloadable/printable resources (like this Altar educational flyer), and additional websites to help you dig deeper into the origins and history of this magical celebration. It also represents “water,” one of the four elements of nature. Water – A cup of water placed on the altar awaits a thirsty, travel-weary soul.Toys – Toys are used as offerings on altars dedicated to children who passed away.Towel & Soap – A towel and soap are left on the altar for the spirits to refresh themselves after a long journey.The skull represents the loved one’s soul. Sugar Skulls – Sugar skulls are a traditional art from Mexico used to decorate altars and graves.Skeletons – Skeletons represent the dead living on and carrying out their daily activities.Salt – Salt is a purifying element that helps prevent decay during the journey.Photographs – A photo of the person being remembered is an important centerpiece of the altar.Their movement represents “air,” one of the four elements of nature. Papel Picado (Paper Banners) – Colorful hand-cut tissue banners are placed around the altar and many other places during Day of the Dead celebrations.Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead) – This traditional bread represents the souls of the dead and “earth,” one of the four elements of nature.Incense – The aromatic smoke of incense is used to help guide a loved one’s spirit home.Food – Every altar displays a loved one’s favorite food and drink as a feast for the spirit to enjoy upon their return.Marigolds are the symbolic “flower of the dead.” Paths of marigold petals combined with their strong smell help lead a loved one’s soul back. A loved one’s favorite flower is sometimes placed on their altar or grave. Flowers – When cut, flowers remind us that life is short.In Christian tradition, it stands for death and resurrection. Cross – In Aztec tradition, it symbolizes the four cardinal directions.Candles – Representing “fire,” one of the four elements of nature, a lit candle helps light the way for the spirit to return.Dog – Aztecs believe that a small dog serves as a guide and companion for the dead.The family decorates the ofrenda with offerings that tell a story about their loved one’s life and help to guide their spirits home. Water – Represented by a glass of water.Wind – Represented by papel picado (paper banners) moving in the air. Earth – Represented by food such as pan de los muertos (bread of the dead).Ofrendas include the four classical elements: A seven-level ofrenda is the most traditional it represents the necessary steps to rest in peace. A three-level ofrenda includes purgatory. A two-level ofrenda represents earth and heaven. The levels used to build the ofrenda represent different stages of human existence. Before the ofrenda is built, the house is thoroughly cleaned and a good table cloth is laid. As part of their Day of the Dead traditions, families set up ofrendas (altars) in their homes and/or in public places to honor their deceased loved ones.
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