What goes on the feast day’s altars? What do the elements mean?
By Father Enrique Alvarado
Parochial Vicar, Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Denver
Editor’s Note: This article is the second part of a short series on the Day of the Dead, its history, cultural elements and spiritual significance for the faithful. To read more about the holiday celebrating, honoring and remembering those who have gone before us, click here to read part one of the series.
Understanding death and its meaning is indeed challenging. The understanding encompasses countless moments of reflection, rituals and ceremonies of various kinds, which have been represented physically in the ultimate symbolic manifestation of this celebration: the altar of the dead. This representation is perhaps the most important tradition of Mexican popular culture and one of the most internationally recognized; it is even considered and protected by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as a World Heritage site or phenomenon.
Today, a traditional Day of the Dead altar in a Catholic home contains three levels, symbolizing the Church militant on earth, the Church suffering in Purgatory, and the Church Triumphant in Heaven. These levels feature photographs of deceased family members to remember and pray for them, as well as a cross made of cempasúchil flowers, symbolizing the death and resurrection of Christ.
Among the most representative elements of the altar are the following:
Cempasúchil Flowers: In Nahuatl cosmology, these flowers represent the path of light that guides the dead to the world of the living so they can return to visit their loved ones. In Christian cosmology, they symbolize the light of Christ, which allows us to live in communion among the living because our God is a God of the living, not of the dead (cf. Mt 22:32).
Skulls: Placed on the Day of the Dead altars, they symbolize death and its presence among us. In Hispanic tradition, death is sacred; it represents dying to the world and to oneself. St. Francis, along with other saints, is iconographically represented with a skull because they were penitential souls; the skull is an allegory of mortification (the etymological root means “to make death”). In St. Francis of Assisi, we find a particular familiarity and serenity with death, which he integrated into his life by calling it “sister death.” The skulls on the altar may be made of sugar, clay or plaster, adorned with colors.
Image of the Deceased: This image represents the essence of the person. As we remember the faces of our loved ones, they live with all their dynamism in our hearts.
The Cross: Used on all altars, this symbol was introduced by Spanish evangelizers to incorporate catechism into a tradition as deeply rooted among the indigenous people as the veneration of the dead. The cross is placed at the top of the altar, beside the image of the deceased, and can be made of salt or ash.
Image of the Souls in Purgatory: This is placed to facilitate the spirit’s exit from Purgatory, if the deceased is there. According to Catholic belief, those who die having committed venial sins without confession must expiate their faults in purgatory.
Copal and Incense: Copal is a pre-Hispanic element that cleanses and purifies a place and the one using it. Incense sanctifies the environment and signifies prayers that rise like a sweet aroma to God’s throne.
Arch: The arch is placed at the top of the altar and symbolizes the entrance to the world of the living; it is the light of Christ illuminating the path to heaven. It is adorned with lemon branches and cempasúchil flowers.
Papel Picado: Considered a representation of the festive joy of the Day of the Dead and of the wind, it celebrates the eternal life won by Christ, who died to give us life.
Candles: All these elements are seen as a light that guides us in this world. Traditionally, they are purple and white, symbolizing mourning and purity, respectively. The candles can be placed according to the cardinal directions, and the votive candles are spread out like a path leading to the altar.
Water: Water is of great importance as it reflects the purity of the soul; just as a single element ended sin and gave rise to virtue, this water, by its baptismal sign, reminds us that we die in Christ but are reborn in him.
Flowers: These are the usual adornment on altars and graves. Cempasúchil flowers, due to their aroma, serve as a guide for spirits in this world and the next.
Food: Traditional food or the deceased’s favorite dishes are placed as a sign of communion among the Church Triumphant in heaven, the Church Militant on earth, and the Church Suffering in Purgatory, honoring the memory of those who are no longer physically with us but continue to live in our hearts through their legacy.
Bread: Bread represents the Eucharist and was added by Spanish evangelizers. It can be in the form of “muertito” from Pátzcuaro or a round dome, adorned with bone-shaped designs as an allusion to the cross, dusted with sugar and made with anise.
Alcoholic Beverages: These are drinks favored by the deceased, referred to as “trago.” Typically, they are “caballitos” of tequila, pulque, or mezcal, elements that help us remember the tastes and customs of those who are no longer with us but whose memories remain.
Personal Items: Items belonging to the deceased during their lifetime are also placed on the altar to evoke memories of their life. For children, their favorite toys are used.
In conclusion, the three levels of the altars represent the three states of the church: triumphant, militant and suffering. The first level is associated with heaven, the second level with earthly matters, and the first level with purification. Each element on the Day of the Dead altars calls to mind different aspects of our faith and aims to bring us closer to the God of the living, even as we remember those who have gone before us.
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