Every year, we create an altar for Dia de los Muertos. This year, we have a particularly special theme.
Creating an altar for Dia de los Muertos is a cornerstone tradition for the holiday, which starts on October 31st and ends on November 2nd.
While every altar is different and specific to the spirits being honored, a classic formula exists when choosing what to include, based on the four physical elements.
Elements of a Dia de los Muertos Altar
- Earth: Earth is represented using food; loved ones' favorite dishes can be used, but fruit like oranges and bananas are also common. And nothing needs to go to waste! Sharing the food at the end of the celebration is a welcome practice.
- Air: Air is represented using papel picado, a traditional art created using thin tissue paper. Paper flowers or intricate banners are common designs.
- Fire: It's impossible to envision a Dia de los Muertos altar without thinking of flickering candles and lights. The candles represent the element of fire while also lighting the way home for spirits.
- Water: Spirits are known to be quite thirsty, so it's only right that a cup or two of fresh water greet them when they visit. Good etiquette calls for fresh refills every day the altar is up.
Other Traditional Altar Items
Of course, several other items create the iconic images we think of when we envision Dia de los Muertos altars.
- Flowers, especially marigolds, brighten up altars and create a sense of beauty for the spirits being celebrated.
- Sugar skulls have become the classic symbol for Dia de los Muertos.
- Salt is put out as a means of protection from any bad spirits or energies.
- Portraits and photographs of loved ones are the finishing touches and the most important element in honoring their spirits.
What's On Our 2024 Altar
2024 is an especially important year of celebration for us: it's the first year our altar will honor our mom, Rita Knight, who passed away earlier this year.
So in addition to the classic offerings, our altar will be garnished with photos and items representing Rita.
We look forward to honoring Rita and those other loved ones we've lost, and for the opportunity to welcome their spirits back into our space- if only for one night.
And we wish everyone a happy and safe Dia de los Muertos. May your altars be full of joy and fond memories.
Leave a comment