![]() This temporary altar is a way for families to honor their loved ones and provide them what they need on their journey. The ofrenda is often the most recognized symbol of Día de los Muertos. (Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum) This is an installation by artist Amalia Mesa-Bains, titled “An Ofrenda for Dolores del Rio” © 1991, Amalia Mesa-Bains. The ofrenda, or altar, is composed of mementos, photographs and objects of loved ones who have died and is intended to honor and remember their lives. Recently it has become increasingly popular among Latino communities abroad, including in the United States. Today, Día de los Muertos is celebrated mostly in Mexico and some parts of Central and South America. 1 as a day to remember children who have passed away, and on Nov. Día de los Muertos is often celebrated on Nov. Certain months were dedicated to remembering the departed, based on whether the deceased was an adult or a child.Īfter the arrival of the Spanish, this ritual of commemorating the dead was intertwined with two Spanish holidays: All Saints Day (Nov. ![]() It originated in Mexico and Central Americaĭía de los Muertos originated in ancient Mesoamerica (Mexico and northern Central America) where indigenous groups, including Aztec, Maya and Toltec, had specific times when they commemorated their loved ones who had passed away. Many communities that celebrate Día de los Muertos also celebrate Halloween. 31, Día de los Muertos is celebrated right after, on Nov. ![]() ![]() (Courtesy of the Smithsonian Latino Center) Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, African Artĭance group Los Tecuanes perform the “La Danza de los Tecuanes” at a festival celebrating Día de los Muertos at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.According to Remezcla, toys are common for children, who are celebrated on Nov. They stand in to make a loved one feel at home and comfortable. Personal Objects - These objects define a loved one and can range anywhere from a piece of clothing to a favorite hobby.Sugar Skulls - Typically decorated with flowers and other designs, sugar skulls represent death and the sweetness of life.Other drinks and food can vary depending on what ancestors enjoyed. Drinks and Food - Water is a must because it not only quenches the soul's thirst, but it represents purity of the soul and the source of life.Yellow paper symbolizes life, purple stands in for death and orange serves as the union between life and death, according to Remezcla. Papel Picado - The thin sheet of colorful paper typically designed with skeletons, animals and pumpkins represents the wind, because when loved ones arrive, the paper will move and thus alert the host to their presence.It is believed that the rising smoke takes the prayer to the gods and serves as an offering to the gods to cleanse the air and allow spirits to enter without difficulty. Copal Incense - The incense represents praise and prayer.Typically white candles are used, but purple can also stand in to symbolize grief. Candles - The flames of the candles symbolize hope and faith, and they light the way to help the souls find their way to the altar.According to Remezcla, it signals the generosity of the host and feeds the dead after a long, weary journey. Its criss-cross shape represents bones and the single tear shape stands in for sorrow. Pan de Muerto - or Bread of the Dead, is a sweet bread baked and offered as a type of ofrenda that is part of an altar.Their strong scent creates an aromatic ambiance, and they are believed to attract the souls of the dead. Marigolds - Known for their medicinal properties and used to decorate graves, the golden yellow or copper brown color of marigolds represents the sun.
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