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.
WATER AND SALT
The water we set out is for our loved ones to quench their thirst, for it has been a long journey and they are in need of a big glass of water. The salt, that is usually placed inside common clay bowls as well as around the ofrendra is used to purify the spirits visiting.
Fire is represented by candles and air by the colorful papel picado, which moves in the wind. Another key element for any ofrenda is salt. It gives the spirits strength, Ramírez-Oropeza said, to journey to the land of the living.
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.
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.
Prized for their bright coloring and potent fragrance, marigolds are thought to attract the souls of the dead to the ofrendas prepared for them. Families will often scatter marigold petals forming a path from their front doors to the ofrenda waiting within the home.
It's also common to see bottles of beer, soda, juice and mezcal placed among the arrangements to entice the deceased back to the earthly realm for the celebrations. Mezcal plays a role in most (if not all) Oaxacan milestones, rituals and holidays, including the Day of the Dead.
On the top level of the altar, four candles need to be placed. signifying the four cardinal points. The light of the candle will illuminate the way for the dead upon their return.
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.
Marigolds - These yellow-orange flowers, also called cempasúchitl, symbolize death. Their strong fragrance also help lead the dead back to their altars.
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.
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.
“The celebration is an expression of Latin American culture and Catholic beliefs, which makes use of some familiar symbols to teach and celebrate the Church's teaching on the communion of saints.” Ofrendas, or altars, are traditionally used in Día de los Muertos celebrations to honor deceased loved ones.
The sugar skulls are arranged on the ofrendas to prepare to honor loved ones. It is a tradition for families to head to the grave site at the stroke of midnight on October 31. There, they decorate their loved ones ofrendas with both large and small handmade sugar skulls.
What is the meaning behind the sugar skull? Each sugar skull represents a departed loved one and is usually placed on an altar — an ofrenda — or even a gravestone as an offering to the spirit of the dead. Sugar skulls are often decorated with the person's name.
The ofrendas speak of affection toward the deceased and are an expression of love towards life. Altars are traditionally built on October 30th and 31st and are taken down November 2nd.
An altar may honor more than one person and a cross made of marigold petals recognizes each person. Names of the honored guests are put on sugar skulls, oranges, apples and big loaves of bread.
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.
You can use flameless candles to keep your altar safe from children and pets. Adding in all those tiny details brings the altar life. Use Calaveras for remembering life and death, paper banners to add color and represent wind elements, and butterflies to portray spirits.
Incense and candles are another way to guide the spirits to the altar. Copal is the most commonly used incense and is used to purify the energy of the air around the altar. Some say it also wards off any bad spirits from approaching the altar.
Three foods traditionally associated with Day of the Dead include mole negro, hot chocolate, and pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and different variations are staples on altars throughout Mexico. Read below for more on these three dishes and their significance.
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a uniquely Mexican holiday rooted in Aztec and Catholic traditions that celebrates those who died before us. As a fruit with a rich history in Mexico, mangos are perfect for Day of the Dead celebrations.
Pan de Muertos
Found in bakeries and home kitchens in the weeks leading up to the holiday, pan de muertos is the most traditional Day of the Dead food and is central to its celebrations. This sweet, fluffy loaf is sprinkled with sugar and topped with small bone-shaped decorations to represent the deceased.