DAY OF THE DEAD

ELEMENTS OF AN OFFERING

Portraits: The offering is placed in anticipation of the visit of the souls of our
deceased loved ones, so they are placed on the altar portraits of the same

Food and drinks: The souls that visit the altar have traveled far and need to regain
strength with good food. Is placed the food that enjoyed the dead
Candles: The light means faith and flame guide to the visitors to find the way soul.
They can be placed crosswise, one at each cardinal point.

Calaveras on sugar: They represent the presence of death. Three of them at the
bottom of the altar represent the holy trinity.
Salt: It is placed in a container on the altar as a symbol of purification. Represents
that we will become ashes after death

Bread : represents the skull and bones of the dead. Taste is for the memory of the
deceased
Image of a saint or a virgin: It is usually placed to receive blessings. Serves for the
faith and serves for prayers and prayers for the dead

Water: Glasses with water are placed to the thirsty souls of traveling and as a
representation of one of the four basic elements of nature
Liquor: It serves to remember to the dead moments that spent with family and the
dead have reason to visit to family

Copal: is placed to purify and drive away evil spirits. Represent to Air and serves
like guide for the faithful departed who "visit us".
Flower: is probably the main element. Its petals are used to trace paths that guide
the souls of the entrance to the home to the offering, besides placed in vases and
arches.

Petate: in this particular day, is worked to free the souls and the tablecloth served
to place the food
 The izcuintle: amulet on dog, must be present on the altars for children, so the
souls of the children feel happy to come visit

Hot Chocolate: The prehispanic tradition says that the guests drank chocolate
prepared with water used to bathe the deceased so that visitors have the essence
of the deceased.
Cross of ashes: It is used to send the soul to the altar, representing the 4 cardinal
points and purifies the soul

Papel Picado: This is a thin colored paper known in Mexico as tissue paper, which
will make several cuts to make shapes like skulls, pumpkins, tombstones and
different words referring to this day
White flowers: These represent the embodiment of purity and sky. Represents the
cycle of life and death

colorful flowers: flower colors are a symbol of celebration for their colors and
aromatic stelae. color signifies purity and tenderness, and accompanies the souls
of children.
Path of flowers: serves as a guide for the soul remember the journey, encourages
the dead to go down the path with family

The tablecloth: for children can be one color, while for adults should be white. Its
meaning is purely ornamental.