![]() To those who are unfamiliar with Día de los Muertos symbology, a skull might seem like a morbid gift.īut the brightly-decorated calaveras de azucar, or sugar skulls, instead act as a lighthearted reminder of life’s cyclical nature. Many people worldwide are familiar with sugar skulls, which are another of the most recognized Day of the Dead symbols. They represent wind and serve as a reminder of the fragility of life. The banners often feature carefully-cut patterns to represent departed loved ones. ![]() These brightly colored, delicately perforated paper banners decorate the ofrenda altar, as well as local businesses, homes, and marketplaces. This represents the cardinal directions and is thought to help the spirits find their way.Īs mentioned above, paper banners known as papel picado can be seen at any Día de los Muertos celebration. It’s common for families to light candles at the ofrenda, often arranging them to form a cross. Pan de Muerto is a soft, round type of bread that’s often decorated with bone-shaped designs. In particular, it’s common to bring bread for the spirits, in the form of Pan de Muerto. Food traditionally represents the element of earth. To represent wind, the family traditionally brings papel picado, a type of traditional paper banner, to the ofrenda. For the element of water, family members leave a pitcher of water at the ofrenda so the spirits can quench their thirst. The ofrenda features pictures of the deceased, as well as items that belonged to them.ĭuring the celebration, family members bring items to the ofrenda that will help the deceased along their journey.Įvery ofrenda contains gifts to represent the four elements: water, wind, earth, and fire: These altars serve as places for families to honor their loved ones. Ofrenda refers to the offerings which are laid out on a temporary altar during the Day of the Dead celebrations. The ofrenda is the central component of any Day of the Dead celebration, and it’s one of the holiday’s most recognized symbols. » MORE: An online memorial is a perfect ending to honor and celebrate someone's life. The symbols below are all associated with the holiday known as Day of the Dead as it’s celebrated today. The two Spanish holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Soul’s Day lent even more symbology and tradition to the date. When the Spanish arrived to the area, the rituals associated with the Day of the Dead became intermingled with new traditions. The holiday originated in ancient Mexico and northern Central America, amongst indigenous groups like the Aztec, Maya, and Toltec. 6 Day of the Dead Symbols and Their Meaningĭía de los Muertos takes place on November 2 of every year. Here, we’ll go over the most popular Day of the Dead symbols and colors, and let you know what it all means. The “Day of the Dead” might seem similar to Halloween in many ways, but it’s a very different type of holiday with its own symbology, rituals, and traditions. 7 Day of the Dead Colors and Their Symbolism.6 Day of the Dead Symbols and Their Meaning.But do you know all of the symbols associated with the Latin American holiday, Día de los Muertos? Jump ahead to these sections: After the celebration people can eat them, taking a bite out of death, which is a good thing.You might recognize pumpkins, black cats, candy corn, and witches as symbols of an American holiday known as Halloween. Sugar skulls: Th sugar skulls are labeled with the name of loved ones who have passed on.It's a pathway between the dead and the living. Arch: A portal to allow the spirits to come.It is meant as a recognition of the cycle of life and death. Photos of loved ones: These photos are placed on the altars to represent those to whom the altars are dedicated.Death was celebrated because it brought on rebirth. Its yellow and orange colors represent the colors of decay and autumn, when nature begins to die and something new begins. Flowers: Flor de Cempasuchil or marigold flower is the traditional flower for the dead.People also place the favorite beverages or food their loved ones enjoyed like mole, tamales or fruit. Typical food: Pan de muerto or bread for the dead is placed on the altars or "ofrendas" to feed loved ones who have passed during their journey.Candles: To light the dead's path and journey.
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