More Than an Altar: The Symbols and Stories of Día de Muertos
We've had the privilege of working with a talented friend who along with her family own Caminos Magicos , a Zapotec tour company based in Oaxaca, Mexico. Estefania Benitez is a native from Santo Domingo Albarradas, Oaxaca. She explains in detail the symbols of the Dia De Muertos Altar.
"In Oaxaca, the Day of the Dead altar is the heart of our celebration. It is how we welcome our departed loved ones back and make them feel that they still have a place in our home.
Altar Tiers
We build the altar with three levels or tiers, each with a very important meaning.
The top level represents heaven, where the saints reside, and where we place a photograph of our departed loved one.
The middle level represents the earth, the world of the living, where we place food and drinks.
The bottom level represents the underworld, or purgatory, where the souls of the departed who need light to find their way are believed to reside.
The Arch
An arch is placed at the very top of the altar, representing the entrance to the world of the dead. Here in Oaxaca, the most traditional material for making it is sugarcane or carrizo (a type of reed), because it is sturdy and symbolizes the main entrance. The arch is decorated with cempasúchil (marigold) flowers, globe amaranth, and sometimes fruits such as mandarins and tejocotes (Mexican hawthorn).
The Photographs
The photograph of the departed is placed on the highest level. It represents the soul of the person visiting us and honors the loved one for whom the offering is prepared.
The Four Elements of Nature
The four elements of nature are also present. Water is offered to quench the spirit's thirst after its long journey. Fire, represented by candles and votive lights, illuminates the spirit's journey to and from the altar. Wind is represented by papel picado, the colorful cut-paper decorations that move with the breeze. And earth is represented by seeds, fruits, and sawdust.
Cempasuchil
The cempasúchil flower is essential. Its color and fragrance guide the souls toward the altar. That is why, in Oaxaca, it is traditional to create paths of marigold petals leading from the doorway to the altar.
Copal
Copal and incense have been considered sacred essences since pre-Hispanic times and are used to purify the atmosphere.
Salt & Ash
Salt and the cross made of ash are also elements of purification. Salt helps preserve the body during its journey (meaning that it does not become lost), while the cross, placed at the top of the altar beside the photograph, helps the departed soul atone for its sins.
Pan De Muerto, Food & Sugar Skulls
Pan de muerto (Day of the Dead bread), sugar skulls, and food are also essential elements. The sugar skulls symbolize that death can be sweet. Pan de muerto represents the cycle of life. The food should be the dishes the departed person enjoyed most during their lifetime, such as mole, tamales, chocolate, and mezcal, because this is the one time of year when they can return to enjoy them again.
With all these elements, which blend pre-Hispanic and Catholic traditions, the altar becomes a reunion between the world of the living and the world of the dead."
Important Dates To Remember
10/27 - Remembering Pets
10/28 - Those that passed due to an accident
10/29 - Those that passed via drowning
10/30 - Those that are alone/forgotten
10/31 - Babies/kids that were not baptized
11/1 - Babies/kids that were baptized
11/2 - All of the adults
If you plan a visit to Oaxaca, we highly recommend Estefania and her services. She is trustworthy, reliable, safe and can customize tours to your liking.
Estefania Benitez
Phone: +52 951.276.3021
Email: caminosmagicosoax@gmail.com