The Day of the Dead honors and celebrates those who have departed before us. It has the solemnity and respect for death but with joyful, vibrant and colorful festivity to celebrate life and death. Mourning is not allowed because it was believed the tears would make the spirit’s path treacherous and slippery. This day is a joyous occasion; it’s a time to gather with everyone in your family, those alive and those dead.
Set up a table and cover with a serape (colorful cloth) or white cloth. Build up 2 - 3 layers with shoe boxes under the cloth. The top represents heaven and the bottom is the earth.
Decorate with Flor de Muertos.
Marigolds or Cempasuchil - originally named Mary’s Gold after the Virgin Mary, the bright color and fragrance lead souls to their family homes and makes the spirits feel joyful and peaceful
Cockscomb - symbolizes the blood of Christ
Chrysanthemum - symbolizes peace, beauty and sympathy
Gladiolas - traditionally represent remembrance and faithfulness
Baby's Breath - signifying purity, love and innocence
White Hoary Stock - used on ofrendas remembering lost children it symbolizes beauty, simplicity and innocence
Decorate with tissue paper flowers. The delicate nature represents the fragility of life.
Honor the dead with light of faith and hope with a Saint candle of someone they admire.
Hang papel picado (perforated paper banners) on front of ofrenda, on wall behind ofrenda or from the ceiling.
Decorate calaveras (sugar skulls) with icing.
A pitcher of water refreshes parched soul’s thirst after their long journey.
Brightly colored skeleton figurines are a playful symbol of life after death, many times representing those who have died engaging in their favorite activities.
Incense allures with scent and smoke. It clears the air of negative energy.
Pan de Muerto (bread of the dead) is usually a semi-sweet bread baked in the shape of bones and dusted with sugar offered to the dead who will be hungry from their long journey.
Other items for the ofrenda
Salt - purifies the spirit’s soul
Cross
Photos of the family members you wish to remember
Comments