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.
Water is placed in the ofrenda to quench the thirst of the sprits. It also symbolizes the element of life. Besides the pan de muerto, altares usually contain typical food items such as rice, mole, pumpkin, as well as the fruits of the season, especially oranges and apples for their natural perfume.
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.
Water is left in a pitcher so the spirits can quench their thirst. Papel picado, or traditional paper banners, represent the wind. Earth is represented by food, especially bread. Candles are often left in the form of a cross to represent the cardinal directions, so the spirits can find their way.
Years ago, I was on Mexico's Yucatan peninsula during Day of the Dead, and on ofrendas and gravesites, people put had carefully placed food (frequently tamales), liquor (almost always tequila), cigarettes, toys for children and other articles enjoyed by the deceased during their lives.
the second tier will contain the ofrendas: toys are usually offered for deceased children, and bottles of tequila, mezcal, or atole for deceased adults.
In Western cultures, water burial is still employed on occasion when people die during a sea voyage. Scattering ashes on water is widely practiced, especially in Asia; in Laos, for example, the ashes of the cremated are often strewn at sea. In India a bone-throwing ceremony concludes the Hindu death observances.
Water popularly represents life. It can be associated with birth, fertility, and refreshment. In a Christian context, water has many correlations. Christ walked on water, and transmuted it into WINE, thus these acts can be seen as a transcendence of the earthly condition.
Water has been used for purification in rituals throughout time and in many religions. Humans have been sacrificed to ensure the life‐giving waters, and water has had divine qualities or been considered as entrances to realms beyond.
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.
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.
Copal incense is quite frequently placed upon the ofrenda as well, to help the spirits find their way to the ofrenda and draws them close, while candles help light the way. Ofrendas often have photos of the deceased as well and things which represent them, like their favorite books, or other items.
Alcohol: Bottles are offered to toast the arrival of the ancestors. In pre-Columbian times, pulque, a beverage made from sap of maguey or agave plant was reserved for special spiritual ceremonies. Today, any alcoholic beverage favored by the dead can be used to toast.
Creating your Altar
The altar includes the four main elements of nature – Earth, Wind, Water and Fire.
The water element brings the power of regeneration and rebirth. It is the energy of the circle of life. Water energy is symbolized by blue and black. Use these colors of crystals to enhance any space that you use for repose, calm reflection, or prayer.
The usual postmortem changes of vascular marbling, dark discoloration of skin and soft tissue, bloating, and putrefaction occur in the water as they do on land though at a different rate, particularly in cold water (4).
It is customary that on the third day after cremation, the karta goes to the cremation service area and collects the ashes of the deceased. The karta would then see that the ashes were disposed of in a significant river. In India, many still travel to the Ganges River to scatter the ashes there.
The washing of the body of our beloved deceased is an ancient and respectful act. It is not connected with a specific faith or spiritual tradition, as it speaks of an ancient time honouring process that has been forgotten or dismissed over the ages. In Islam and Judaism, the washing of the body is a common practice.
In some places, families set off rockets or large firecrackers to announce to the dead that it is time to come. In some communities, the dead will join the living in a meal, although only the dead may eat from the ofrenda. Children are warned that the sweets, bread, and delicious offerings are first given to the dead.
Fruit is also an essential part of an ofrenda, representing the sweet elements of nature and it includes seasonal fruit such as guava, orange, bananas, apples and mandarin. If there are any more pleasures that our loved ones had when they were with us, this is also included here for them to enjoy while they visit.
Atole and Champurrado
Atole is a traditional drink dating back to the Aztecs made of masa harina, a type of corn flour, sweetened and flavored with cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla or with chocolate to make it champurrado. The thick, warm drink is a perfect companion to pan de muertos and other Day of the Dead food.
For the Heavenly recipe pour the Brandy, the Cherry Brandy and the Plum Brandy in a mixing glass with ice. Stir your Heavenly drink well. Strain your Heavenly into a cocktail glass. Finish your Heavenly mixed drink with cherry.