The Altar of the Dead

The Day of the Dead offerings are one of the most deeply rooted traditions in Mexico. In most Mexican homes, it can be observed that families gather on the eve of November 1 and 2 to set up an altar for their loved ones who have passed away. Our friends from ActitudFem share more information about this ancient tradition. If, unfortunately, you have lost a family member or friend, we provide you with a basic list of things that should not be missing from your Day of the Dead offerings. 1. Portrait of the remembered person: The photograph of the deceased suggests the soul that will visit them on the night of November 2. 2. Painting or print of the Souls in Purgatory: The image of the souls in purgatory is used to request the release of the soul of the deceased, in case it is found there. 3. Twelve candles: Although there can be fewer, they must be in pairs and preferably purple, with crowns and wax flowers. The candles, especially if they are purple, are a sign of mourning. The four candles in a cross represent the four cardinal points, so that the soul can orient itself to find its way home along with water and salt. 4. Cempasuchil flower (or flower of 400 petals): Its color represents light like the rays of the sun, and by sprinkling it in a path form, it indicates to the souls the way they are guided home. 5. Earth cross: To remind them of their faith, as on Ash Wednesday, the phrase is said: Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return, reminding them that they return to the earth from which they came. 6. Sweet pumpkin: This fruit occupies a privileged place in both traditional pre-Hispanic and current cuisine. It is part of the country's food tetralogy, alongside corn, beans, and chili. Everything of it is used: stems, vines, flowers, fruits, and seeds. On the altar, it is prepared as a sweet: cooked with sugar, cinnamon, tejocotes, pieces of sugar cane, or other ingredients, according to the cook's taste. 7. A bottle of the drink that the deceased liked the most. 8. Cigarettes; of course, if they smoked. 9. Sugar skulls or chocolate skulls. 10. Bread of the dead. 11. In some cases, if it is a child, toys or items related to the age of the deceased are placed. View original article Homemade Churros  Bread of the Dead Guava Atole