The offerings or altar of the dead are the most important element of the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) because they not only contain food or drink but also the love of those who place them to delight their loved ones.
The tradition of the Day of the Dead is based on the belief that the souls of the deceased return, and we reunite with them through the elements that characterize these days.
What is an altar of the dead?
The altar or offering is a ritual through which the living share and coexist with their deceased loved ones once again. It is through the offerings that we come together again.
The essence of the Day of the Dead is to remember with love and joy the life we shared with those who are no longer with us, and we do that through the altar.
Elements of the altar of the dead
Below, we detail the main and most traditional elements that an altar of the dead should have, and we explain the meaning of each of them.
On the Dia de los Muertos altar with seven levels or steps, these are the elements that should be placed. It is important to note that this order is one of the most traditional, but in different regions and entities, offerings may include other types of elements.
- Level 1: The image of the saint to whom one is devoted is placed here.
- Level 2: This level is dedicated to the souls in purgatory and serves to allow the deceased to leave that place. It is recommended to place an image of the souls in purgatory at this level.
- Level 3: Salt is placed on this step to purify the spirit and prevent the body from corrupting.
- Level 4: The Pan de Muerto, which symbolizes the Eucharist, is placed on this level.
- Level 5: This step is where the deceased’s favorite food and fruit are placed. Drinks are also placed here.
- Level 6: The photo of the deceased to whom the altar is dedicated is placed here.
- Level 7: A cross made of seeds, fruits, and lime is placed here. It serves for the deceased to expiate their sins.
What does the offering contain?
These are the most traditional elements on the Day of the Dead altar.
- Cempasúchil Flower: It is the flower of the dead. It is an essential element as it guides the deceased with its color and aroma, which is why it is customary to create a path of petals. “Cempasúchil” means “twenty flowers” in Nahuatl, referring to the twentieth day of death.
- Arch: It can be made with flowers and symbolizes the gateway for the deceased into the world of the living.
- Foods: Apples represent blood, while sweet squash signifies kindness.
- Traditional Dishes and Alcoholic Beverages: Good food and drinks aim to delight the visiting soul with what they enjoyed most in life. Liquor is offered so they can remember the pleasant events during their life and decide to visit.
- Water: Signifying the purity of the soul, water quenches the thirst of the souls after their long journey to visit us.
- Salt: This is a purifying element to prevent the body from corrupting during the journey of the deceased. In some altars, a salt cross is placed.
- Candles: Ancient Mexicans used pine splinters (ocote). Nowadays, candles or wax candles are used, symbolizing light, faith, and hope that guide the souls to their former places. In some indigenous communities, each candle represents a deceased person, so the number of candles on the altar depends on how many souls the family wants to receive. If the candles are placed in purple candle holders, it is a sign of mourning. If the candles are arranged in the shape of a cross, it represents the four cardinal points, allowing the soul to orient itself to find its way home.
- Copal: Signifying prayer or praise, copal is used to ward off evil spirits, allowing the soul to enter its home safely.
- Flowers: Represent festivity. Their colors and scents celebrate the stay of our deceased and help them depart with joy.
- Pan de Muerto: The church presents it as the “Body of Christ.” It is one of the most precious elements on the altar.
- Photos of the deceased symbolize our anticipation of their visit.
- Mirror: The mirror accompanies the photograph of the deceased, placed at the top of the altar. It is positioned with its back to the photograph so that the deceased can only see the reflection of their loved ones, and those in turn only see the reflection of the deceased.
- Souls from Purgatory: It is customary to place an image of the Souls from Purgatory to obtain freedom for the soul of the deceased, in case they are in that place, to help them leave. A small cross made of ash can also serve this purpose.
- Sugar Skulls or Other Material: They allude to the ever-present death. Small skulls are dedicated to the Holy Trinity, while larger ones are dedicated to the Eternal Father.
- Papel Picado: Papel picado represents the wind and the joy of celebrating the Day of the Dead.
- Images of Saints: They help mediate between the dead and the living, as they are synonymous with good social relations on the altar.
- Dog or Xoloitzcuintli: It must not be missing on altars for children, as it helps the souls of children feel happy when they arrive at the feast. Dogs assist the souls in crossing the vast Chiconauhuapan River, which is the last step to reach Mictlán.
- Petate or Tablecloth: Among its many uses, the petate serves as a bed, table, or shroud. On this particular day, it functions for the souls to rest and as a tablecloth for placing the offerings.
- Soap, Water, and Towel: These elements are provided in case the soul wants to wash their hands after the long journey.
- Cross: If the cross is made of salt, it symbolizes purification. If the cross is made of ash, it serves for the visiting soul to expiate their pending sins.
