![]() The smallest altar may have one of two levels, the earth and the sky. A three-level altar of the dead represents the earth, the sky, and the underworld or purgatory. It’s good for the deceased to explain his faults.Īlthough the 7-story altar is the most traditional, there are also smaller two or three levels mini altars. Level 7 lowest level: A cross formed with seeds, fruits or lime is placed. Level 6: Here goes the picture of the deceased who is dedicated to the altar. Level 5: On this step is placed the food and fruit that were the favorite of the deceased. Level 4: At this level goes the Dead Bread, which symbolizes the Eucharist (body of Christ). Level 3: Salt is placed on this step to purify the spirit and not to corrupt the body. It is recommended to place an image of the purgatory soul. Level 2: This level is dedicated to the souls of purgatory and serves to give the deceased permission to leave that place. Symbolically the altar elevations are: Level 1: On this step is placed the image of the saint that the deceased preferred. Each step/elevation within the Day of the Dead (DOD) altar represents the steps that souls must take in order to rest in peace. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the symbolism and cultural values of this ceremony.Īccording to UN1onCdMX, the seven-level altar arrangement is the most traditional Day of the Dead altar. It’s fascinating to understand why the types of items are included and what the design arrangement means: it’s more than just for appearance. A key component of this event is the building of an altar. The celebration, as we know it today, is a reflection of the blending of the ancient cultures and the European religious beliefs. For over 600 years Mexicans have adhered to a tradition to honor their departed. In a year that thrust the possibility of death into our daily routine, the significance of the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead is alluring. These activities are aimed to teach students the value of their own ancestral traditions and avoid the replacement of these celebrations with foreign customs, such as Halloween.The Symbolism behind Day of the Dead Altars Our job at the community consisted in evaluating altars at the contests held at local schools. On the lowest level, a path of flowers is placed from the house to the street this path indicates the course the deceased needs to follow in order to reach his or her living relatives.ĭifferent altars made by local high-school students On the middle steps, they position food and drinks that the deceased used to enjoy. Nowadays, people also place an image of a saint, Catholic Virgin, or Jesus Christ on the upper step. The conventional altar has nine steps, which in the pre-Hispanic tradition represented the nine stages that the departed had to descend in order to arrive in the domains of Mictlantecuhtli (God of Death). They are composed of flowers, food, candles, and other elements. The conceptualization of this idea is embodied in the Altares de Muertos (Altars for the Dead), which mix Catholic and indigenous beliefs.ĭuring these days, altars are built in honor of the dead. This festivity invites both living and dead relatives to celebrate life and death, to value our path here through this earth to the land of the Dead. The Día de Muertos celebration is really relevant for El Carrizal and neighboring communities, since it combines elements from indigenous as well as European customs. This past week was very important for all Mexicans, especially for those in communities away from big cities who still preserve traditions and habits inherited from their pre-Hispanic ancestors. ![]()
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