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altars
The altar is an important part of the celebration of Dia de los Muertos. The purpose of the altar is to both honor the deceased and celebrate their lives. Offrendas, or offerings, are left to remember the departed and welcome their spirits home. Below are several items that are commonly found on a Dia de los Muertos altar. The themes of earth (food offerings), wind (moving objects like paper decorations), fire (candles), and water (for drinking and purifying) are important to any altar.
1. Photos: Photos of the deceased friends or relatives are the focal point of every altar.
2. Candles: Candles are always present on the altar. Theses are usually made from beeswax or parafin and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs. Each lit candle represents a soul, and an extra candle is lit for forgotten souls.
3. Food: Pan de Muertos, or Bread of the Dead, is consumed by the deceased during their visit. Most of the bread loaves are shaped as ovals (believed to be the shape of the soul). Loaves may vary in ingredients and design. Other foods associated with Dia de los Muertos include mole and tamales. Sweets and other foods are left for the deceased children. The departed’s favorite dish is also frequently included.
4. Flowers: Flowers symbolize the brevity of life and are a common offering on the altar. Yellow marigolds, "the flower of the dead," and other fragrant flowers are used to communicate the richness of the offering to the spirits. Sometimes, paths of marigold petals are created by families to aid the souls in finding their way home.
5. Grooming items: It is believed that the deceased have been on a long journey to return to their loved ones. In order for them to refresh themselves, friends and family leave soap, a towel, a bowl of water, or other grooming items.
6. Water: The departed will be thirsty after a long journey. Water is left out so that the deceased can quench their thirst. Water is an important symbol, as it is used to both quench the thirst and purify the soul.
7. Personal items: Items that represent the personal character of the deceased are also common on altars. Books, musical instruments, and sports-related items are just a few of the nearly unlimited list of personal effects that serve to honor and remember the departed.
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