Rising smoke takes prayers to heaven and the gods.Ĭreating a colorful and aromatic Day of the Dead altar invites tender and joyful memories Or make your own by watching a Youtube video.Ĭalli incense: Derived from the copal tree, it symbolizes the transformation from the physical to the supernatural. These are available at crafts stores and some Mexican markets. They symbolize the wind, one of the elements of life. Some see them as curtains with holes to allow the soul to pass through and visit. Papel Picado or perforated paper: Elaborate designs are cut into sheets of colored tissue paper and strung like banners on the altars.

Water: Spirits will be thirsty, and water represents one of the elements of life. Some traditional foods include rice, mole, pumpkin and seasonal fruits. Sugar represents the sweetness of life.įood: Place some of your loved one’s favorite foods. Personalize them with the name of a departed friend or loved one. Sugar Skulls: Use your imagination to decorate these folk art pieces, which represent people who have died. Sometimes a path of petals are strewn leading to the altar. Marigolds: The musky scent of these bold and bright yellow flowers, symbolic of death in the Aztec culture in pre-Colombian Mexico, are said to help guide spirits to your altar and represent the brevity of human life. Pan de muertos: An oval sweet bread with anise and orange peel baked round to symbolize human life. Photographs: Place pictures of family, friends, pets or people you admired who have died.Ĭandles or lanterns: These light the way for spirits on their journey to your altar.

Make a dia de los muertos altar