Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, takes place on Nov. 1 and 2. It is a holiday mainly celebrated by Mexico and other Latin American countries.
One of the most important traditions of this holiday is the preparation of ofrendas (altars) to honor loved ones who have passed away as they make their journey to Earth. There are a lot of aspects to these elaborate altars, the most common symbolizing the four main elements: water, fire, earth and wind.
1. Water
A cup of water will normally be placed on the altar to quench the thirst of the spirits as they make their journey from the afterlife to visit the land of the living.
Some may also place their loved one’s favorite beverages instead of water.
2. Candles
Representing the fire element, rows of lit candles can be found on altars. These candles are supposed to light the path to guide spirits home.
3. Papel picado (perforated paper)
The papel picado represents the wind element. The holes in the paper are a way for souls to travel through to make their visit.
4. Tapetes de arena (sand sculptures or tapestries)
Representing the final element, earth, these sand sculptures are an important part of the altar in some Mexican regions. Using sand and pigment, the sculptures may depict religious themes or other images.
This tradition is linked to pre-Hispanic times when people would use these tapetes as a way to guide the spirit from the earthly world of the living to the spiritual world.
These are some other items that many people place on their altars.
5. Portraits
Photos of deceased loved ones are one of the most vital additions to altars. This is seen as a way to call loved ones to the altar so they can cross over.
6. Salt
Salt is usually laid out in the shape of a cross as a way to purify the souls as they cross over.
7. Flor de muerto (flowers of the dead)
The cempasúchil , widely known as marigolds, are one of the most recognized flowers associated with the Day of the Dead. The bright color and strong fragrance are believed to attract spirits to the altar. Their orange color is also associated with the feeling of celebrating life, instead of the sadness associated with death.
8. Pan de muerto (bread of the dead)
Pan de muerto is a popular sweet bread placed at the altar along with an array of other foods that the people being honored loved. The circle at the center of the bread represents a skull, the four rolls of bread sitting on top in the form of a cross represent bones, which also represent the tears we shed for our loved ones.
There is no wrong or right way to make your ofrenda, these are just the most commonly found items that people use along with their own unique food and items that make their altar specially made for the people they are honoring.