![]() Water is also given to quench the spirits thirst after their long journey from the afterlife. Even though they’re edible, they aren’t really made to be eaten. There are also fancy skulls decorated with colorful icing called calaveras de azucar or sugar skulls. Other food on the ofrenda can include mole, fruit, and sweets.ĭrinks are also put out, including pulque, a sweet fermented beverage made from agave sap. The sweet smell of the bread is said to help the dead find their families. The paper flower tradition is very strong too. Pan de muerto was one of the very first recipes I published when I launched my blog, Chicano Eats, back in 2016 and I keep it close to my heart.If you’re not familiar, pan de muerto is a traditional Mexican sweet roll associated with Dia de los Muertos, the holiday between November 1st and 2nd where we celebrate those who have passed on. It’s a sweet and eggy bread shaped into people, animals, bones, and skulls. A lot of traditional food and drink on Día de los Muertos comes from a blend of Spanish and Indigenous beliefs and practices.Ī common food item is pan de muerto or bread of the dead. And food plays a huge role in helping pay respect to loved ones. Ofrendas are a collection of things placed on an altar for families to remember loved ones who have passed away. It also wouldn’t exist without the ofrenda, or the offering. Visit Day of the Dead Resources to find library books for kids and adults, downloadable/printable resources (like this Altar educational flyer), and additional websites to help you dig deeper into the origins and history of this magical celebration.The Day of the Dead has nothing to do with Halloween.ĭía de los Muertos is celebrated by Mexican families who prepare for the return of their loved ones. It also represents “water,” one of the four elements of nature. Water – A cup of water placed on the altar awaits a thirsty, travel-weary soul.Toys – Toys are used as offerings on altars dedicated to children who passed away.Towel & Soap – A towel and soap are left on the altar for the spirits to refresh themselves after a long journey.The skull represents the loved one’s soul. Sugar Skulls – Sugar skulls are a traditional art from Mexico used to decorate altars and graves.Skeletons – Skeletons represent the dead living on and carrying out their daily activities.Salt – Salt is a purifying element that helps prevent decay during the journey.Photographs – A photo of the person being remembered is an important centerpiece of the altar.Their movement represents “air,” one of the four elements of nature. Papel Picado (Paper Banners) – Colorful hand-cut tissue banners are placed around the altar and many other places during Day of the Dead celebrations.Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead) – This traditional bread represents the souls of the dead and “earth,” one of the four elements of nature.Incense – The aromatic smoke of incense is used to help guide a loved one’s spirit home.Food – Every altar displays a loved one’s favorite food and drink as a feast for the spirit to enjoy upon their return. ![]() Marigolds are the symbolic “flower of the dead.” Paths of marigold petals combined with their strong smell help lead a loved one’s soul back. A loved one’s favorite flower is sometimes placed on their altar or grave. Flowers – When cut, flowers remind us that life is short.In Christian tradition, it stands for death and resurrection. Cross – In Aztec tradition, it symbolizes the four cardinal directions.Candles – Representing “fire,” one of the four elements of nature, a lit candle helps light the way for the spirit to return.Dog – Aztecs believe that a small dog serves as a guide and companion for the dead. ![]() The family decorates the ofrenda with offerings that tell a story about their loved one’s life and help to guide their spirits home.
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