The Symbolism behind Day of the Dead Altars

The Symbolism behind Day of the Dead Altars

                                                               Tara A. Spears

In a year that thrust the possibility of death into our daily routine, the significance of the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead is alluring. For over 600 years Mexicans have adhered to a tradition to honor their departed. The celebration, as we know it today, is a reflection of the blending of the ancient cultures and the European religious beliefs. A key component of this event is the building of an altar. It’s fascinating to understand why the types of items are included and what the design arrangement means: it’s more than just for appearance. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the symbolism and cultural values of this ceremony.

According to UN1onCdMX, the seven-level altar arrangement is the most traditional Day of the Dead altar. Each step/elevation within the Day of the Dead (DOD) altar represents the steps that souls must take in order to rest in peace.   Symbolically the altar elevations are:   Level 1: On this step is placed the image of the saint that the deceased preferred. Level 2: This level is dedicated to the souls of purgatory and serves to give the deceased permission to leave that place. It is recommended to place an image of the purgatory soul. Level 3: Salt is placed on this step to purify the spirit and not to corrupt the body. Level 4: At this level goes the Dead Bread, which symbolizes the Eucharist (body of Christ). Level 5: On this step is placed the food and fruit that were the favorite of the deceased. Level 6: Here goes the picture of the deceased who is dedicated to the altar. Level 7 lowest level: A cross formed with seeds, fruits or lime is placed. It’s good for the deceased to explain his faults.

Although the 7-story altar is the most traditional, there are also smaller two or three levels mini altars. A three-level altar of the dead represents the earth, the sky, and the underworld or purgatory.  The smallest altar may have one of two levels, the earth and the sky.

Next, let’s identify why only specific items are included on the DOD altar. An altar of the dead is a ritual from which the living seeks to reunite with the departed loved ones. For that reason, each of the elements of the offering has a very special meaning. Description of the altar elements derived from Gov.mx:INPI National Institute of Indigenous Peoples and other Spanish blogs.  Each of the following elements has its own history and mysticism in the ancient cultures.

Water. The source of life is offered to the souls to mitigate their thirst after their long journey and to strengthen their return. In some cultures it symbolizes the purity of the soul.

Salt. The element of purification, serves so that the body does not become corrupted, on its journey back and forth for the next year.

Candles and votive candles. Ancient Mexicans used ocote slices but presently the candle is used in its different forms: candles and votive candles. The flame they produce means “light”, faith, hope. It is a guide, with its flickering flame so that the souls can reach their old places and light their return to their home. If the tapers or candlesticks are purple, it is a sign of mourning.

Copal and incense. The copal was offered by the natives to their gods since the incense was not yet known, incense arrived with the Spanish. It is the element that sublimates prayer because fragrance aids reverence. Incense is used to cleanse the place of evil spirits so that the soul can enter your home without any danger.

Flowers. They are a symbol of the festival for their colors and aroma. Besides being plentiful and easy to get, flowers are included to decorate and aromatize the place during the soul’s stay.  In many places of Mexico it is customary to lay paths of petals that serve to guide the deceased to the offering. The yellow flower of the native Mexican cempasuchil (Marigold) is the path of color and smell that forms the routes for the soul.

The petate. Among the many uses of the handcrafted blanket is for the bed, table or shroud. On this particular day the petate works so that the souls can rest as well as becoming a tablecloth to place the food of the offering.

Papel picado. Traditional altars depict the gods of earth, rain, water, agriculture and the Miclan, using figurines cut into amate paper. But today, commercially produced cut paper or plastic chains are used. The subject matter of the cut paper has now been replaced by colorful streamers depicting allegorical motifs of death and the dead.

The izcuintle. What must be included on the altars for children is the left-handed toy puppy, so that the souls of the little ones feel happy when they arrive at the banquet. The izcuintle puppy, is the one that helps souls cross the flowing Chiconauhuapan River, which is the last step to reach the Mictlán/heaven.

Bread. One of the most important offering components is bread that is made in different shapes. Frequently the bread is elevated on pieces of sugar cane.

Sugar Skulls. In addition to being a representation of death, according to its size they have different meanings: if they are small they are dedicated to the Holy Trinity, the medians remember that death is always present and the large ones honor God the Father.

Photographs: Photographs are important in the offering because with them we remember the relatives to whom we dedicate the offering, images of Saints can also be placed which are the mediators between the living and the dead.

Food dishes: It is customary to put the favorite food of the person to whom the altar is dedicated on the altar. The food is usually Mexican dishes such as mole, pozole, tamales.

Confetti: Chopped paper: It represents the joy of visiting the deceased and symbolizes the wind.

For departed adults, alcohol is placed on the altar. The liquor is for the deceased to remember the great pleasant events during his life and decide to visit. Lastly, A large ash cross serves so that when the soul reaches the altar it can atone for its pending sins.

As you can see by the nature of the included elements, creating an altar for day of the dead is taken very seriously. It is not a frivolous kid’s project but a tradition that is saturated with history, culture and faith. The altar itself is a special type of place where Mexican deceased come to drink, eat, rest and live with their relatives. The DOD altars are more than bright colors; it is a cultural phenomenon that deserves respect.

Tradition states that between October 28 and November 2, Mexican homes prepare offerings and altars to wait for the souls of deceased relatives to visit the world to enjoy their favorite foods and visit their earthly homes.