Day of the Dead altars: How to make one for your loved one and what to put on it
Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is a time for the dearly departed to come back home and visit loved ones spiritually. It is also a time for the dead to feast on their favorite foods, drink their favorite libations and listen to the music they love.
One way to give these offerings is by making an an altar dedicated to your family member or friend. You could even make one for your pet or favorite artist or sports hero.
The altar can consist of ofrendas or offerings of photographs, food, flowers, toys and other symbolic offerings.
Here's a step-by-step guide to making a Dia de los Muertos altar and what goes on it.
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What are the 4 elements of an ofrenda?
According to the Smithsonian, an altar includes the four elements: water, wind, earth and fire.
Water is left in a pitcher so the spirits can quench their thirst.
Wind is represented by papel picado, paper banners that signify the union between the dead and the living. These banners have elaborate designs such as animals, pumpkins and skeletons. When the paper moves, it's an indication that the deceased person is present.
Earth is represented by food, especially the bread known as pan de muertos. The essence or soul of the bread is consumed by the dead when they visit their loved ones.
Fire is represented by candles. They are often positioned into the form of a cross to represent the cardinal directions to help the dead find their way during their journey to and from the spirit world.
More: Phoenix's Mikiztli festival honors the Indigenous origins of Día de los Muertos
What other items go on an altar?
Personalize your altar with these traditional items:
Saints: A family may have a particular saint that is important to them.
Mementoes: Place a photo of the deceased or any sentimental item that reminds you of your loved one. This might be a baseball card, bracelet, piece of clothing, book or favorite CD.
Sweets and other foods: Sweet foods are offered for child spirits to eat when they come to visit.
Mole: This thick sauce made with chiles, sesame seeds, herbs and other ingredients is usually set out for adult spirits. You can also leave tamales, chocolate, fruit and nuts.
Flowers: Flowers symbolize the brevity of life. Bright yellow and orange Mexican marigolds, or cempasúchil, are most commonly used. Their fragrance is said to attract the deceased. For a child's altar, a lighter flower such as baby's-breath can signify innocence and purity.
Salt: Salt helps purify the soul on its way back to the spirit world. It's usually placed in clay bowls or other containers around the altar.
Sugar skulls: These represent the person who has passed. Sugar skulls are made of a granulated sugar mixture that's pressed into molds and then decorated. While sugar skulls with their colorful designs may seem enticing to eat, they are more folk art than food. MexicanSugarSkull.com notes that sugar skulls are commonly decorated with sequins, colored foils, feathers, beads and glitter.
More: Sugar skulls are the ultimate Day of the Dead symbol. Here's how to make them
How to make a Day of the Dead altar
Here's a step-by-step guide to making a Dia de los Muertos altar:
Clear a space on a table, box or piece of furniture. A blanket can be placed over it as a base if you like. The size of your altar is up to you.
Start by placing papel picado and flowers on and around the altar. Orange, yellow, purple and black are the most traditional colors of flowers.
The ofrenda can be organized into two or three layers. Gods or saints go on top, along with photos or portraits of the deceased. Other religious items can also be added here.
Place food, drinks and things the dearly departed loved on the second tier. You can also place candles here. (Use care when placing items near candles, and don't leave burning candles unattended.) Foods, mementoes and sugar skulls also can be placed here.
The bottom tier should include water for the souls to quench their thirst and salt to purify them on their way back to the spiritual world. Candles and flowers can be placed on this tier as well.
How long does an altar stay up?
Dia de los Muertos is typically observed Nov. 1-2. Altars are traditionally built on Oct. 30 or 31 and taken down on Nov. 2.
Toys and sweet foods should be set out by Oct. 31 as it is said that child spirits arrive first. The souls of adults arrive on Nov. 1. This is the time to place spicy or savory foods and chocolates, fruits and nuts.
You can connect with Arizona Republic Culture and Outdoors Reporter Shanti Lerner through email at shanti.lerner@gannett.com or you can also follow her on Twitter.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Day of the Dead: What goes on a Dia de los Muertos altar
