4/24/2023 0 Comments Dia de los muertos altar set up![]() Over the years, Catholic crosses and religious symbols were incorporated. Along the way, the departed would have to offer gifts in order to complete their journey. ![]() In general, death was viewed as the start of a journey to the kingdom of the dead before reaching heaven. The “Day of the Dead” has roots in ancient Mayan culture, but it has evolved over the years with Catholicism and colonialization. Marigold flowers, cut paper and crosses made from seeds or salt “Day of the Dead” altar in Oaxaca, Mexico. Favorite food and drinks of the deceased (ex: mezcal or tequila)ħ. Pan de Muerto (the bread of the dead) and sugar skullsĥ. Toys and salt figurines, particularly for the childrenĤ. Candles and lights, which represent guides to help souls escape from purgatoryģ. Typically, a seven-step altar includes the following levels, from top to bottom:Ģ. The true masterpieces are the altars with seven steps. With three steps, the altar depicts purgatory, earth, and heaven, or the Holy Trinity. An altar with two steps represents the earth and sky. No matter how large the altars are, they must include representations of the elements of air, water, fire, and earth. ![]() The “ Dia de Los Muertos” altars, created using tables, crates or shelves and found at grave sites or in homes, are particularly intricate. ![]() Mexican “Day of the Dead” altar in watercolor by Erika Lancaster. One of the central pieces of this ritual is the altar (or ofrenda), which can range from two to three to seven steps tall. The multiday holiday is often more uplifting than sad. Once a year, from October 31 to November 2, people throughout Mexico honor the memory of family members and friends who have died, during the “ Day of the Dead” ( Dia de Los Muertos) celebration. In most Western cultures, death is considered a sad occasion and discussions on the topic are often avoided. Photo by Katerina Papathanasiou/The Vale Magazine Frida Kahlo “Day of the Dead” mini altar.
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