(If you’re white, especially if you’re from the US, you’re obligated to reblog this post. I’m sorry, I don’t make the rules)
Día de Muertos is the most important and well-known tradition of indigenous origin in México celebrated on November first and second. It is a world heritage tradition. That is why so important that we are careful to portray it respectfully.
For us Mexicans, making altares is a way to cope with death, it is something that brings us closer to our loved ones who have passed way. I’ve discussed with my mother and my father in a very intimate way what they would like me to put in her altar when they pass away and I intend to learn how to make my mother’s favorite dishes so she’ll like them when she comes back to visit and she can be proud of me. That takes some of the fear out of things, to know that for one night every year I’ll have a chance to honor my loved ones and remember them fondly.
What does an altar usually have?
A figurine of a dog, usually a xoloitzcuintle, the sacred dog of the Aztecs, who will help the deceased person make their way to the land of the living and back to the land of the dead.
A photo of the deceased person
Copal (ancient incense that was offered to the gods in indigenous traditions, it clenses the space and helps guide the spirits to the altar).
Cempaxóchitl or Mexican marigold. This means “twenty flowers” or “flower of twenty petals” in náhuatl, Mexico’s most spoken indigenous language. Its bright yellow color and scent helps spirits return to the land of the living.
In ancient times, real skulls were used, but they have since been replaced with sugar skulls that have the name of the deceased person written on the forehead.
Pan de muerto (Bread of the Dead), which is a representation of the mortal body (supposed to represent the skeleton, more specifically the hand)
Papel picado (tissue paper with cut-out shapes) that represent that this is a party and shows how happy we are to have them with us once more.
The deceased person’s favorite foods and beverages, and any objects that they might have used a lot while they were alive (musical instruments, their glasses, a typewriter, their favorite books, etc).
Calaveritas, which narrate in a comical or endearing, even a bit tongue-in-cheek way a person’s encounter with death.
Now, some common questions under the “read more”.
