The cempasuchil or flor de muertos (flower of the dead) is one of the most used flowers during the celebration in some places its petals are set to make a path from the house door to the altar thus showing the way to the returning souls. The flowers used to decorate the altars are known as Day of the Dead Flowers, and their use depends on local costumes, local availability and financial capacity. The altar is decorated with fresh flowers as it is believed that their scent will make the returning souls feel welcomed and happy. Most altars would include some or all of these elements:Ī picture of the evoked relative is placed in the altar to make him present and revive his image. Other elements are shared everywhere in the country. Cempasuchil and other Day of the Dead flowers are added to the altar together with spicy tamales, alcoholic drinks and cigarettes.ĭay of the Dead altars are set with different elements depending on the region these differences are established by the availability, seasonal flowers and fruits and the traditional food from the area. On the eve of November first, the children elements on the altar are eaten or removed is time to honor the adults. Every element in the altar must be suitable for children. The Day of the Dead altars for the children are set on the eve of October 31st with hoary stock and baby's breath flowers their white color symbolizing the purity of the children's souls.Ĭhildren's souls are treated with sweet tamales, hot chocolate, atole (corn based hot drink), fruits, candies and toys. The Day of the Dead altars are the most prominent feature in the celebration because they show the souls the way to their home.Īltars make the souls ( animas) feel welcomed and show them they have not been forgotten. Sage and other incenses are also frequently burned to clear the space of negative energy and help the dead find their way.Day of the Dead altars known as altares de muertos or ofrendas are set during the Day of the Dead celebrations on November 1 and 2 to honor the dead children and adults.ĭay of the Dead celebrations are based in the belief that the souls of the ones gone can come back to this world on these days. The Aztecs burned copal incense as an offering to the gods, and it is used today for Roman Catholic funeral masses. Often fruit punch, hot chocolate, cerveza (beer), tequilla or another favorite of the deceased are presented to refresh the spirits of a spirit after his journey.įire blazes in the candles and incense. Water is the source of life, said to quench the thirst of the dead when they return from a long journey. Black represents death, pink is for celebration, purple signifies mourning, white symbolizes hope, and yellow is for the sun. The papel picado cut papers add a colorful trim. Traditionally there are four of the candles at the top of the altar, either representing a cross and/or the cardinal directions which are said to provide a lighted path to this world. Wind is shown in the flapping papel picado and the flickering candles. Food from the Earth is also important…more on that later. The bright yellow of the marigolds and their fragrance are synonymous with Day of the Dead. Their aroma is said to help lure a spirit back, and the scent is even stronger if the petals are pulled out, so petal paths are often created to guide the souls home. Marigolds, known as “flowers of the dead,” grow and wilt quickly, reflecting the fleeting nature of life. ![]() Flowers have a brief life, symbolizing the brevity in which the living occupies the earth. From the Earth, yellow marigolds are almost always present.
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