It is believed the first place the dead visit is their gravesite. When the souls of loved ones return, family members want to provide the best presentation possible. The food is intended to provide the souls with enough energy and nourishment for their return journey to the afterlife. Tamales, mole, rice, pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and seasonal foods such as pumpkin and squash are also typical to see on an altar. Food – The altar is covered with foods the deceased enjoyed the most while on earth.After the celebrations are over, children consume the skulls, to symbolize the ability to mock and play with death. Made out of sugar or chocolate, the name of the deceased is inscribed on the forehead of the skull to represent them. Calaveras – The most iconic symbol of Día de los Muertos is the calavera, or skull.Each represents the love for deceased family members and acts as a beacon to guide the souls back home.
Candles – Altars are illuminated by an abundance of torches and candles.It is typically decorated with fragrant and colorful flowers. This archway represents the gateway from earth to the afterlife. Archway – An archway is constructed directly behind the altar and can be made of corn stalks or sugar cane.It is believed that this incense attracts spirits and wards off evil, cleansing the area around the altar. Copal – Copal is a type of incense that is burned on the ofrenda.A trail of cempasúchil is left for the dead, leading them from their grave to the altar. Flowers – The traditional flower of Día de los Muertos is the cempasúchil, or the orange marigold.(Photo courtesy of Nancy and Eloy, taken on a previous trip to Mexico to celebrate the holiday.)Įach altar includes additional symbolic decorations: A photo of the deceased is placed in the very center of the altar and is surrounded by his or her favorite things – such as food, drinks, candy and toys for the children.Īn altar decorated for Día de los Muertos Each level is covered with a tablecloth and decorated with papel picados – artistically cut tissue paper that represents the wind. Depending on the family’s needs, the altar can have two to seven levels, representing the different stages of life and the afterlife. Each altar is unique, but all have distinct aspects which hold different symbolic meanings. Traditionally built inside the home, the altar can be as big or small as the family can accommodate. It’s not for worshipping the dead, but for honoring them. The ofrenda holds symbolism from both native traditions and Catholic beliefs.
Ofrenda – The OfferingĪ very important part of Día de los Muertos is the altar, or ofrenda – the offering. In Mexico, people celebrate their loved ones with several traditions meant to honor their lives. Those celebrating the holiday do not see death as something to be feared, but as a necessary continuation of life and day of remembrance and respect. Día de los Muertos is seen as a triumph over death and becomes a celebration of life. It is believed that during this time that the living and the dead can mingle.Īccording to Nancy and Eloy, contrary to the views Americans have of death and spirits on Halloween, Mexican cultures believe the souls of the deceased return to help their families. On these days, it’s believed that the gates of heaven open so the souls can return for one night to spend time with their families. The grand finale and public celebration of Día de los Muertos – spirits of all the dead – takes place on November 2 at noon. The festivities shift the following day – November 2 at midnight – to honor the lives of the departed adults, called Día de los Difuntos. On this day, the spirits of all the deceased children are believed to be reunited with their families for 24 hours.
The holiday starts with Día de los Angelitos (Day of the little angels) at midnight on November 1. This year, Día de los Muertos will be celebrated on November 1 and 2. Keep reading to learn about the holiday’s key components and how your funeral home can support those who celebrate Día de los Muertos. Homesteaders’ marketing partners Nancy Vasquez and Eloy Marroquin of Funeral Marketing Directors shared more details about the significance of this observance and recounted their own experiences celebrating Día de los Muertos in Mexico and the United States. Observed around the world, especially in Mexico and by people of Mexican heritage, the annual festival celebrates deceased friends and family members.Īs funeral service professionals, It’s important to become familiar with the many different traditions that accompany Día de los Muertos. One of those important traditions to honor departed loved ones is Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Each fall, many people prepare to recognize holidays dedicated to remembering those who have died.
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