PATH TO CITIZENSHIP (P2C) November 2020 Day of the Dead Altars from the Path to Citizenship series article and images from Mexican Folk Art Guide
Day of the Dead altars, known as altares de muertos or ofren-
Flowers
das, are set during the Day of the Dead celebrations on No-
The altar is decorated with fresh flowers as it is believed that
vember 1 and 2 to honor the dead children and adults.
their scent will make the returning souls feel welcomed and happy. The flowers used to decorate the altars are known as
Day of the Dead celebrations are based on the belief that the
Day of the Dead Flowers, and their use depends on local cus-
souls of the ones gone can come back to this world on these
toms, local availability and financial capacity.
days. The altars are the most prominent feature in the celebration because they show the souls the way to their home. Altars make the souls (animas) feel welcomed and show them they have not been forgotten.
The Day of the Dead altars for the children are set on the eve of October 31 with hoary stock (Matthiola incana) and baby's breath (Gypsophila) flowers; their white color symbolizing the purity of the children's souls. Children's souls are treated with sweet tamales, hot chocolate, atole (corn based hot drink), fruits, candies and toys. Every element in the altar must be suitable for children.
The cempasuchil or flor de muertos (flower of the dead, marigolds) is one of the most used flowers during the celebration.
On the eve of November first, the children-oriented elements
In some places, its petals are set to make a path from the
on the altar are eaten or removed; in time to honor the adults.
house door to the altar, thus showing the way to the returning
Cempasuchil and other Day of the Dead flowers are added to
souls.
the altar together with spicy tamales, alcoholic drinks and ciga-
Different Levels
rettes or whatever the deceased enjoyed in life.
In some areas altars are made with two levels that symbolize heaven and earth. In others, they are made with three levels for
Day of the Dead Altar Elements
heaven, purgatory and earth and there are places where altars with seven levels are placed. Each of these levels represents the
Day of the Dead altars are set with different elements depending on the region; these differences are established by the availability of seasonal flowers and fruits and the traditional food from the area. Other elements are shared everywhere in the country. Most altars would include some or all of the following elements.
Picture A picture of the evoked relative is placed in the altar to make him present and revive his image.
Coastal Mexico’s Lifestyle eMagazine
steps a soul has to make to get to heaven.
An Arch Symbolizes the entrance to the world of the dead. In the places where it's set out, it can be made with cempasuchil flowers like in MichoacĂĄn State, or of reed like in Puebla State.
Chiseled Paper The papel picado or chiseled paper are paper flags chiseled with saints' figures or skulls and skeletons that are placed like a table cloth in the altar. To some people, they represent the element of air for the way they move.
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