

At its roots the holiday was celebrated as a special day of. As of 2008 it became part of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists. Da de Muertos altar commemorating a deceased man in Milpa Alta. Place the table against a wall and cover it with a tablecloth or papel picado (colorful tissue paper cut into various shapes and designs). Dia de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead) is a Pre-Hispanic tradition that has been celebrated for at least 3,000 years by the many indigenous groups of the lands that are now Mexico. Water to satisfy the thirst of the dead who visit Fire burning in candles Earth in food and other items for the departed and Wind, which is represented by the papel picado, paper flowers and other paper elements that move with the wind.Īn altar for Day of the Dead may contain various items. The Day of the Dead is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, though other. The individual elements can be grouped into four categories that correspond with natural elements of water, fire, earth and wind. Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) in California has approximately 17,500. The powerful scent of flowers and incense, the glow of the candles, and the. Dia de los Muertos – Elements of Day of the Dead Altars in Sonora, MexicoĮl Día de Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is a Mexican tradition that interweaves ancient aspects of pre-Hispanic culture with Christian beliefs to create a unique annual event of remembrance for the departed.ĭay of the Dead altars, also known as ofrendas (offerings), are constructed and adorned to remember, honor and please the dead, are a central symbol of the Dia de los Muertos.Īn altar may include a variety of symbols and items that are reminders of the deceased, or that were favorites of the honoree of the altar, but the following 12 items are considered to be fundamental requirements for an ofrenda. Connections Learning Community created this altar. The altar serves as a kind of beacon to guide the souls of the dead to your house.
