One way to embrace the country’s unique customs is by commemorating the Day of the Dead with a traditional but personalized altar de muertos (ofrenda or altar to the deceased.)
According to ancient beliefs, the souls of the dead return to earth for one day of the year, winding their way home once the sun passes its zenith on November first. This is the time for families to begin setting up the altar de muertos, laying out an offering laden with items intended to draw the departed to the world of the living, ease their journey and make them feel at home.
It should be understood that while certain general concepts usually apply, there is no strict formula for creating your own ofrenda de muertos. It may be dedicated to a dead relative, a friend, an admired personality or even a general group, say victims of cancer, or those who died in a terrorist attack. It is simply a matter of selecting someone or ones who have a particular significance to you and letting your imagination fly.Here are the usual basics needed to mount a traditional Dia de Muertos offering:
- A table used as the altar base and boxes or boards to create a minimum of two separate levels
- Purple crepe paper for draping a backdrop and covering the altar surface
- A tablecloth, preferably hand-embroidered
- Sheets of pink and orange tissue paper to create papel picado cut outs (intricately designed sheets made by craftsmen may be purchased)
- Clay pots and jugs to hold flowers; bunches of marigolds, cockscomb and other seasonal blossoms from the garden or local florist
- Votive lights in glasses or candles in ceramic candlestick holders
- A photograph or image representing the person(s) honored
- A clay brazier for burning ocote (pine kindling) and copal
- Ashes for marking a cross on the floor at the altar base
- A basin of water accompanied by soap, a towel and a mirror
- A jug or glass of drinking water
- Other favorite drinks (agua fresca, atole, hot chocolate and or spirits)
- Clay dishes holding tamales, meat or chicken in mole or pepian, rice or other favorite foods
- Pan de muerto
- Pumpkin or sweet potatoes cooked in a brown sugar syrup
- Oranges, limas and other seasonal fruits
- Alfajor (coconut candy) and other typical sweets
- At least three sugar skulls
- Skeleton figures or other Day of the Dead craft items and toys (especially for children)
- Objects representing the occupation and personal belongings of the deceased
Whatever items and decorative items are selected, the altar’s contents should be arranged in a pleasingly symmetrical manner.