6 Elements that the Altar of the Day of the Dead carries and its sacred meaning

To make an altar On the Day of the Dead every November 2, there are elements that you cannot ignore.

How to prepare an altar to celebrate the Day of the Dead?

The presence of the Cempasúchil flower is essential, since since ancient times this flower has served as a bridge between the world of the living and the dead, in turn providing a beautiful color to the altar.

With the petals of this flower a path is made for the souls to guide their steps towards the kingdom of the living.

The altar must be sheltered by an arch of flowers, an element that will symbolize the threshold through which the spirits will enter to enter the earth.

1. The photos will be the proof that the deceased have not been forgotten

If you want the family to be reunited, you must place their photographs on the altar, so the deceased will have permission to enter the earthly plane.

The photos will be a call and the proof that those who continue their passage in the kingdom of the living have not forgotten them.

On the altar you can place belongings beloved by the deceased and this will guarantee that their arrival is faster and more welcoming.

2. The ribbons give the Day of the Dead a festive character

The chains, confetti or ribbons give the Day of the Dead the festive character that should prevail on this date, as it is the opportunity that souls have to find themselves right next to their loved ones.

With bright colors the chains are made to imply that the soul is immortal and that the body dies, but the spirit as long as it is remembered will never cease to exist.

3. Being with the family is the true purpose of the Day of the Dead

Fruits and food are placed on the altar, prioritizing the dishes that were liked by the deceased, as an offering to their souls, thus ensuring that they feel cared for.

On this day the living and the dead eat together, gathered under the same sky and attracted by a single purpose:

Be with the family.

4. The bread of the dead represents the cycle of life

The bread of the dead symbolizes the cycle of life and the wheel of fortune, showing that chance sometimes smiles and sometimes not.

Attached to the food is a receptacle of salt, an ingredient necessary for life.

A cup of water should be placed representing the neatness and purity of the spirit.

5. Candlelight keep souls from getting lost on their way home

Candles cannot be absent, both the wax and the oil ones will guarantee with their light that the souls do not get lost on the way home.

It is usual to see the altars decorated with pinwheels, the elders believe that when the wind turns the pinwheels the spirits are already inside the home.