Every ofrenda also includes the four elements: water, wind, earth and fire. Water is left in a pitcher so the spirits can quench their thirst. Papel picado, or traditional paper banners, represent the wind.
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.
The altar usually stays up until November 3, though sometimes they are left for a few more days. Ideally, an altar has seven tiers or steps (symbolizing the route to heaven), each decorated with different trinkets and symbols.
Water – placed in a container for the souls to quench their thirst after its long journey to reach the altar. Fire – represented by wax candles. Each soul is represented by a lit candle, and an extra one is placed for the forgotten soul. Salt – represents purification.
On the ofrenda, many significant objects are placed as gifts to the deceased loved ones. Usually a glass with fresh water is set on the altar so the spirits can quench their thirst after their long journey. The use of water has several meanings. It reflects the purity of the souls.
Some use four candles, placed in the shape of a cross, to signify north, south, east, and west, which helps the souls orient themselves and find their way to the ofrenda. While white candles are common, purple – a mark of grief – is also used.
Flowers, which symbolize the brevity of life, are an essential element of the Day of the Dead ofrenda. Though many different flowers are used in Day of the Dead celebrations, one flower has become a national symbol for the festival: the marigold.
Red – Represents blood and life. Purple – For this holiday, purple represents mourning, grief and suffering. Pink – The bubbly color signifies happiness. Marigolds – People spread petals from these round, yellow-orange flowers to guide spirits of loved ones to the celebration.
Ofrenda– Translated as offering, is the common name for a Day of the Dead Altar, this is because everything that is placed on an altar is an offering to deceased loved ones. 3 Tiers – The 3 tiers that make up the altar represent the three stages of the church; life on earth, souls in purgatory, and souls in heaven.
Sugar Skull with Cross Temporary Tattoo
They are used to represent soul of departed loved one and honor it upon its return home.
The ofrenda is a central component
They place down pictures of the deceased, along with items that belonged to them and objects that serve as a reminder of their lives. Every ofrenda also includes the four elements: water, wind, earth and fire. Water is left in a pitcher so the spirits can quench their thirst.
Calavera de Azucar/Sugar Skulls
Unlike the ghoulish skulls and skeletons associated with Halloween, these brightly colored skulls represent the departed souls in the circle of life. “It's to celebrate their lives,” said Caballero.
Fresh fruit- whatever is in season oranges, bananas, or the favorite fruit of the person you are making the altar for.
Levels of the Ofrenda
A two-level ofrenda represents earth and heaven. A three-level ofrenda includes purgatory. A seven-level ofrenda is the most traditional; it represents the necessary steps to rest in peace.
Another key element for any ofrenda is salt. It gives the spirits strength, Ramírez-Oropeza said, to journey to the land of the living. I had long thought of Día de los Muertos as an intimate holiday centered on family.
The basic altar can be constructed with different levels. Two levels can represent heaven and earth, while three can mean earth, purgatory, and heaven. In other places, people use seven levels to represent the steps up to heaven or the afterlife.
the second tier will contain the ofrendas: toys are usually offered for deceased children, and bottles of tequila, mezcal, or atole for deceased adults.
Candles or lights on the altar must remain lit to help guide the spirits back to their families for the celebration. The scent and colors of the marigolds are also said to lead the spirits home. A glass of water is left on the altar in some homes to alleviate the spirit's thirst.
There are a lot of aspects to these elaborate altars, the most common symbolizing the four main elements: water, fire, earth and wind. A cup of water will normally be placed on the altar to quench the thirst of the spirits as they make their journey from the afterlife to visit the land of the living.
Elements of an Ofrenda (text)
Papel picado serves as a colorful and meaningful trim: black represents death, purple means grief of mourning, pink is celebration, white symbolizes hope and yellow stands for the sun.