![]() The tradition recognizes death as a natural part of the human experience just as much birth, childhood and growing old. While may cultures view death as morbid, Mexico’s tradition of Día de los Muertos focuses on celebrating the lives of the deceased by sharing food and drink, and creating a beautiful altar in their memory. Lastly, it is important to note that the day of the dead is not a day of mourning. While others, are usually religious images such as photos of the Virgin Mary, Jesus, or other figures, which vary according to the beliefs of each family. One of them is a photo or photos of the deceased. The altar is accompanied by different types of images. This refers to a necklace, bracelet, hat, wallet or any accessory that the deceased used in life. Once baked, sesame seeds are added on top and a face (representing the dead) is made from hardened wheat flour and painted by hand.Īlthough it tends to vary from region to region, it undoubtedly occupies an important place in the offering. In Oaxaca, yolk bread is used, which is made with egg yolks, flour and sugar. Lastly, it is topped off with dough from the same bread formed in the shape of bones and dusted with sugar. It is traditionally made with wheat flour, egg, sugar, and anise. Tourists, who visit Mexico, will only find it during this special season. This bread is baked in remembrance of the human sacrifices made by pre-Hispanic cultures. One of the most common symbols representing Day of the Dead celebrations. We keep them alive in our hearts and stories. Sugar skulls are a wonderful reminder that just because our loved ones are no longer with us, it doesn’t mean their memories are gone. The small skulls traditionally represent children while the big skulls represent adults and elders. When you gift someone a sugar skull with their name on it, you are reserving a place for them in the underworld and telling them that you love them. ![]() When you make a sugar skull for someone who is deceased, you place the skull on your altar in remembrance of their memory. The name of the deceased or the name of a friend or loved one who is meaningful to you. The names written on the forehead of the sugar skulls can symbolize Today, there are made of sugar, chocolate and amaranth and represent the sweetness of life and the departed soul. They pay tribute to pre-Columbian times and symbolize the human skulls of the altars called tzompantli or skull racks, where the heads of sacrificed captives were offered to the Gods. The souls of warriors and babies, go to the South. People who die fighting for life or in childbirth, go to the West. People who die from lightning, rain, floods, drowning, go to the East. The table is divided into four cardinal points––the four directions of the universe where the dead go according to the way they died. According to Aztec tradition, these levels represent Heaven, Earth and the Underworld.Īn arch is displayed as a symbol of Heaven and to welcome the faithful departed. Sometimes saint or virgins and elements of water and fire are also placed. This is why people typically places image of the deceased and other symbols of faith on the table (which represents Heaven). According to popular tradition, this two-level style of altar represents Heaven and Earth. This is the most traditional altar that is typically placed in private homes. The two levels of this altar are identified as the table and the floor. They can be small two-level ones that are often used in the home, or they can be monumental ones that are often dedicated to famous people. Traditionally, there are three styles of altars. Offerings can vary depending on geographical locations and/or economic situations, but there are basic elements that should always be included in an altar. Thus the offering is given as an act of sacred enjoyment to our ancestors, who revisit their old homes and enjoy the fruits that they are denied in death. The ofrenda is prepared and displayed as an expression of feelings of gratitude, love and reverence. ![]() Whoever comes, whether he is from Mexico or a foreigner, is invited.Īnd when they come, we will offer them all of the abundant blessings that were harvested throughout the year. You give them la bienvenida (a warm welcome) and in turn they toast to our reunion with a divine feast. When you receive a visitor in Mexico, you always receive them with open arms. In fact, you should not receive family members, friends or ancestors with tears in your eyes, because it is a day of festejo (celebration). The celebration of the dead should not be a painful one. The ofrenda (offering) is what we offer to our deceased to let them know that they are still in our lives. What is an Ofrenda and Why is it Prepared?
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