![]() ![]() These sugar skulls or calaveras are added to the altar to represent the person’s spirit. Sugar skulls: These colorful treats are made by hand and can include the person’s name inscribed on the forehead. Some of the person’s belongings can also be included so that they have items they recognize when they return for their brief visit. Personal items: Framed photos of the deceased loved one are commonly placed on the altar. Some Mexicans also sprinkle salt on the altar to protect the body from breaking down as it travels between the realm of the dead and the world of the living. You may also adorn the altar with a colorful tablecloth if you choose. The altar may be covered with a white tablecloth, preferably one passed down from family members. More elaborate altars may include up to seven levels. These levels represent heaven, earth, and the underworld. Structure: Most Day of the Dead altars consist of one to three levels, with three most common. Many candles are placed at the altar in the form of a cross to provide the fire element and help the spirits find their way home. The earth is represented by food, including bread and homemade meals. Colorful paper banners or “papel picado” are hung across the altar to represent the wind. Water is left in a pitcher to give the spirits something to quench their thirst. These elements represent the deceased person’s journey as they find the path to rest in peace finally. The four elements: Ofrendas include the four elements of water, wind, earth, and fire. And also how to celebrate the holiday at home! It is also believed that families alive and dead are given permissions to communicate, celebrate, and be with their loved ones again as a large family gathering of living and dead.Īll the objects used to celebrate have meaning for this celebration, especially objects used in the altar or “offerenda.” Meneses provided for us an easy chart that lists each piece. It is meant to be a time to remember the lives of past loved ones and a way to communicate and honor them from beyond the afterlife with family gatherings that include food, music, dancing, and elaborate costumes and decoration of many colors. lĪlthough this day is called the day of the dead, it is actually a celebration of life and death. Later moved to coincide with All Souls day. ![]() The altar consists of pictures of the deceased family members, candles, flowers, food dishes their loved ones liked, fresh fruit, sugar skulls and any other thing that the deceased person liked.”Īs we are told by Maria Jose Meneses this holiday even pre-dates Spanish Mexico and was celebrated by the Aztecs who honored their dead with skulls. Rituals include visiting family graves and bringing flowers to place at the graves.in some parts of Mexico and other countries, families have the tradition of building an altar in their homes to remember their loved ones that have passed away. But we often forget the two days after Halloween that are equally as festive and heavy with meaning, Dia De Los Muertos.Īs we were told by Deacon Hector Villareal last, “ All Souls’ Day is a Catholic tradition in which Catholics commemorate the dead by praying for their souls. After the celebration people can eat them, taking a bite out of death, which is a good thing.As Halloween approaches, people are rushing to buy last minute costumes, decorations, pumpkins, and homemade treats for the ghoulish festivities. Sugar skulls: Th sugar skulls are labeled with the name of loved ones who have passed on.It's a pathway between the dead and the living. Arch: A portal to allow the spirits to come.It is meant as a recognition of the cycle of life and death. Photos of loved ones: These photos are placed on the altars to represent those to whom the altars are dedicated.Death was celebrated because it brought on rebirth. Its yellow and orange colors represent the colors of decay and autumn, when nature begins to die and something new begins. Flowers: Flor de Cempasuchil or marigold flower is the traditional flower for the dead.People also place the favorite beverages or food their loved ones enjoyed like mole, tamales or fruit. Typical food: Pan de muerto or bread for the dead is placed on the altars or "ofrendas" to feed loved ones who have passed during their journey.Candles: To light the dead's path and journey.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |