The Symbolism behind Day of the Dead Altars
In a year that thrust the possibility of death into our daily routine, the significance of the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead is alluring. For over 600 years Mexicans have adhered to a tradition to honor their departed. The celebration, as we know it today, is a reflection of the blending of the ancient cultures and the European religious beliefs. A key component of this event is the building of an altar. It’s fascinating to understand why the types of items are included and what the design arrangement means: it’s more than just for appearance. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the symbolism and cultural values of this ceremony.
According to UN1onCdMX, the seven-level altar arrangement is the most traditional Day of the Dead altar. Each step/elevation within the Day of the Dead (DOD) altar represents the steps that souls must take in order to rest in peace. Symbolically the altar elevations are: Level 1: On this step is placed the image of the saint that the deceased preferred. Level 2: This level is dedicated to the souls of purgatory and serves to give the deceased permission to leave that place. It is recommended to place an image of the purgatory soul. Level 3: Salt is placed on this step to purify the spirit and not to corrupt the body. Level 4: At this level goes the Dead Bread, which symbolizes the Eucharist (body of Christ). Level 5: On this step is placed the food and fruit that were the favorite of the deceased. Level 6: Here goes the picture of the deceased who is dedicated to the altar. Level 7 lowest level: A cross formed with seeds, fruits or lime is placed. It’s good for the deceased to explain his faults.
Although the 7-story altar is the most traditional, there are also smaller two or three levels mini altars. A three-level altar of the dead represents the earth, the sky, and the underworld or purgatory. The smallest altar may have one of two levels, the earth and the sky.
Next, let’s identify why only specific items are included on the DOD altar. An altar of the dead is a ritual from which the living seeks to reunite with the departed loved ones. For that reason, each of the elements of the offering has a very special meaning. Description of the altar elements derived from Gov.mx:INPI National Institute of Indigenous Peoples and other Spanish blogs. Each of the following elements has its own history and mysticism in the ancient cultures.
Water. The source of life is offered to the souls to mitigate their thirst after their long journey and to strengthen their return. In some cultures it symbolizes the purity of the soul.
Salt. The element of purification, serves so that the body does not become corrupted, on its journey back and forth for the next year.
Candles and votive candles. Ancient Mexicans used ocote slices but presently the candle is used in its different forms: candles and votive candles. The flame they produce means “light”, faith, hope. It is a guide, with its flickering flame so that the souls can reach their old places and light their return to their home. If the tapers or candlesticks are purple, it is a sign of mourning.
Copal and incense. The copal was offered by the natives to their gods since the incense was not yet known, incense arrived with the Spanish. It is the element that sublimates prayer because fragrance aids reverence. Incense is used to cleanse the place of evil spirits so that the soul can enter your home without any danger.
Flowers. They are a symbol of the festival for their colors and aroma. Besides being plentiful and easy to get, flowers are included to decorate and aromatize the place during the soul’s stay. In many places of Mexico it is customary to lay paths of petals that serve to guide the deceased to the offering. The yellow flower of the native Mexican cempasuchil (Marigold) is the path of color and smell that forms the routes for the soul.
The petate. Among the many uses of the handcrafted blanket is for the bed, table or shroud. On this particular day the petate works so that the souls can rest as well as becoming a tablecloth to place the food of the offering.