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Origins of the Altar de Muertos
The tradition of the Altar de Muertos (Day of the Dead altar) is deeply rooted in ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, particularly the Aztecs, who honored Mictecacihuatl, the goddess of death. In pre-Hispanic times, these rituals were performed to celebrate the cyclical nature of life and death. The Aztecs dedicated a month-long festival to remember their deceased ancestors, offering food and other gifts to ensure the dead’s spirits were nourished and guided back to the afterlife. This practice was later combined with Catholic beliefs when the Spanish arrived, merging the indigenous customs with All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2)(Smithsonian Magazine)(Spanish Mama).
Today, the Day of the Dead is a unique blend of indigenous and Catholic traditions, observed primarily on November 1st (Día de los Inocentes, for children) and November 2nd (Día de los Muertos, for adults)(Symbol Sage).
How to Set Up an Altar de Muertos
Creating an altar is a personal and meaningful way for families to remember their loved ones who have passed away. Each element in an altar is symbolic and serves a specific purpose. Here’s a breakdown of how it’s typically done:
- Structure: Most altars have two or three levels, which represent the heavens, the earth, and the underworld, reflecting ancient Aztec cosmology(Symbol Sage). The structure can be made from tables, crates, or any raised platform covered with cloth.
- Photographs: At the top of the altar, a photograph of the deceased person is placed. This helps guide their spirit back to the world of the living(Moments Log).
3. Candles: Candles symbolize hope and faith and are placed around the altar to light the way for spirits during their journey. Many families place one candle for each deceased person (Moments Log).
4. Food and Drink: Families offer the favorite foods and drinks of their loved ones, including pan de muerto, tamales, mole, and atole. It is believed that the souls consume the essence of the food (Moments Log).
5. Sugar Skulls: These colorful skulls, made from sugar, symbolize the souls of the departed and are often personalized with their names. They serve as a reminder that death is a natural part of life (Moments Log).
6. Papel Picado: Decorative paper cutouts, known as papel picado, represent the fragility of life. The fluttering paper symbolizes the union between life and death (Spanish Mama)(Symbol Sage).
7. Salt and Water: A glass of water is placed on the altar to quench the spirits' thirst after their long journey, and salt is used to purify their souls (Spanish Mama)(Symbol Sage).
Purpose of the Altar de Muertos
The altar serves as asymbolic bridgebetween the world of the living and the dead. It is believed that during Día de los Muertos, the spirits of deceased loved ones return to visit their families, drawn by the offerings and symbolic elements of the altar. Far from being a mournful event, Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life, a time to honor the memory of the deceased with joy, storytelling, and festivity(Moments Log).
Dates and Significance
The celebration typically begins on October 31st, when families start to set up their altars. November 1st, known as Día de los Inocentes, honors deceased children (angelitos), while November 2nd, the official Día de los Muertos, is dedicated to adults. During this time, families not only set up altars in their homes but also visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones, creating a powerful communal experience (Moments Log)(Spanish Mama).
The Altar de Muertosvis a beautiful, symbolic representation of the cyclical nature of life and death, reflecting both pre-Hispanic and Catholic traditions. Through the offerings and decorations, it is a way for families to connect with their ancestors, celebrate their memory, and keep their spirits alive in a meaningful and joyous way
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