![]() ![]() The word ofrenda means offering in Spanish. The Ofrendas are an essential part of the Day of the Dead celebrations. It became an iconic symbol of Mexican culture since it represents death the way Mexicans see it. La Catrina was originally created by Jose Guadalupe Posada and was later painted, dressed up and named as such by Diego Rivera on one of his murals. ![]() You can find different shapes and colors painted on each one of the Catrinas. Catrinas are full of color and beauty and they represent Mexico and all its culture. One of the most representative symbols of this day is La Catrina, which is a calaca (skeleton), very different from the ones that you've probably seen. Basic Elements of this Celebration Where do Catrinas and Calacas come from? This is how El Dia de los Muertos has been celebrated ever since. The Nahua people held this celebration in August and they set up altars in which they placed water, food, and different things that would help the soul of their loved ones get through the 9 different stages that they are supposed to pass. Our ancestors believed that after arriving to Chicunamictlán, the Land of the Dead, there were some difficult stages that their soul would have to go through in order to reach Mictlán, the final resting place. It's the day when all the souls of our loved ones that have passed away come to visit us, their families and loved ones. On the 2nd of November is the official Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Here in Mexico it's also known as El día de los angelitos or Day of the Little Angels, since it's said that all the deceased children come a day before the adults do, since their souls are more pure. This event is based more on Catholicism than on pre-hispanic traditions and it celebrates all the Saints that have reached the glory and are with God actually, not only saints, but also those who are listed to be canonized. Sugar Skulls: Allusion to the Death that is ever-present ĭrinks: Deceased Spirit's favorite beverages.Celebration days On the 1st of November we celebrate Día de todos los Santos (All Saints Day) Woven Bed Mat, Petate: Serves as a bed or table so the Spirits may rest īread of Dead, Pan de Muertos: Its circular form represents the Cycle of Life and Death it has four appendages in the form of a Cross that symbolize the Four Cardinal Directions Purple represents mourning and cleanses the place of bad spirits.įigure of Dog Xoloitzcuintle : Allows the Spirits of Children to feel content as they arrive at the banquet Orange petals of marigolds, cempasúchil, form the path that guides the Souls Water: Water of Life is offered to Souls of the Dead to alleviate their thirst Ĭandles: Candles and votive lights guide Souls to their old homes and illuminate their return to their ultimate abode Ĭut Paper: Represents the Wind and Festive Joy Principal elements used in altars and their meanings: Level 7: A Cross fashioned of Seeds, Fruit, Ash or Lime serves so Deceased may expiate his or her sins. Level 6: Photo of the Deceased to whom the altar is dedicated Level 5: Food and Fruit preferred by the Deceased Level 4: Pan de muerto, Bread of the Dead, is offered as nourishment for the Souls Level 3: Salt is placed to purify the Spirit of the Children from Purgatory and so the body is not corrupted on the journey Level 2: Intended for the Souls in Purgatory and that the Deceased might have permission to leave that place Level 1: Image of Saint to whom the deceased is devoted Here's how they appear on the diagram (starting at the top): The most traditional altar has seven levels, which represent the levels the deceased must pass through in order to rest in peace.Īs with most things in Mexico, there is great variation in the arrangement of the altar levels. Altars with three levels represent Heaven, Purgatory and Earth. The altar is an essential component of Día de los Muertos. Altars with two levels represent Heaven and Earth. ![]()
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