![]() ![]() The variety most common outside of Mexico consists of a semi-spherical sweet loaf adorned with smaller pieces of dough in the shape of stylized bones and topped with a light glaze and white sugar. The loaf can be round, half-moon shaped, bow-shaped, or shaped like a human it can be topped with white or colored sugar, sesame seeds, glaze, or icing. The loaf’s shape, toppings, and recipe vary from region to region. It is also customary to place a photograph of the deceased in the central part of the altar.Literally "bread of the dead," this bakery product is placed on the altar during the festivities and enjoyed by the families of the deceased. Personal ItemsĪt the bottom, belongings of the deceased are usually placed, especially if they were loved and appreciated objects. Alcoholic beverages that the deceased enjoyed such as beer, tequila or pulque are also placed. The bread of the dead is a modern element of the altars. The skulls made of sugar, chocolate or amaranth represent that death can be sweet. Traditionally, typical dishes such as mole and tamales are present. They must be to the liking of the deceased, who can only enjoy them once a year. Other aromas present are: cempasúchil flowers, herbal infusions such as laurel, thyme and rosemary. The fire is represented with candles and the earth, with seeds and fruits. ScentsĬopal was considered a sacred essence in pre-Hispanic cultures and is usually an essential element in the altar. A glass of water serves to quench the thirst of the spirit. The wind is represented by papel picado, which regularly includes designs based on the work of José Guadalupe Posada. Image Source: #WeAllGrow Latina & Muy Bueno Cookingĭid you know about the representation of natural elements on the altar? Let us explain! Glass of Water - Quenches the thirst of souls and strengthens them for their returnĬross - For their pending sins to be expiated.įor the visual learners (just like us), we included a graphic: Photographs - For the deceased's soul to be freed.Ĭempasúchil Flowers - The flowers guide the path of the souls to the offerings. Sugar Skulls - Made of sugar or chocolate, each skull represents the deceased you are honoring.Ĭandles- Symbol of love that guides souls to the altar. Papel Picado - Represents the union between life and death.įavorite Food Dishes - A selection of the deceased's favorite dishes is served. Pan de Muerto - Represents the generosity of the host or the gift of the land itself. Here are a few elements you can't miss on your altar de Muertos:□□️✨ ![]() ![]() The largest consists of seven levels and represents the steps to eternal rest. In the case of three, purgatory is added. The offerings are placed on a table with two levels that symbolize heaven and earth. In this way, the living and the dead can coexist in a dimension. The souls are believed to return to enjoy the dishes, to taste the fruit, and to contemplate the cempasúchil flower as part of this ceremony. The Day of the Dead altar is composed of several basic elements whose value has made them an integral part of the celebration. Get to know the anatomy of the exuberant offerings we make in memory of them. In this way, death is given a certain flavor of hope, since for them it's worthwhile to return to the world of the living at least once a year. The altar is the center of this celebration, and its elements are a mixture of pre-Hispanic and Catholic traditions that merge to celebrate death. Generally, the altars are two, three, or even seven levels high! In all cases, the lower levels represent the earth/underworld, and the upper levels represent the heavenly dimensions. There are many symbolic elements and meanings to building an altar for your deceased loved ones. ![]() In Mexico, families await their deceased in November to welcome them with food and drinks they enjoyed in the past. ![]()
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