COMPOSITION OF THE ALTARS
In the post of HOW THE DAY OF THE DEAD ARISED?, we tell you how the altars arose, in this post we will tell you how the altars are composed and their meaning, whether they are 2, 3 or 7 levels.
First the altars were just a table, then they increased in floors, the ones used are the 2,3 and 7 floors.
2 LEVELS
The two-level altar symbolizes the earth (first floor) and the sky (second floor). On the first floor is the fruit, on the second floor is what the deceased liked and his picture.
3 LEVELS
To the altar of 3 levels only the purgatory is added (floor of until down), in the first level the fruit is put, in the second level the candles, the bread and the food that he liked and his portrait, and in the third floor that of some saint or religious image.
7 LEVELS
The 7-level altar represents the 7 steps to heaven, or the 7 deadly sins to overcome, which are: anger, lust, laziness, greed, envy, gluttony and pride.
The elements it carries on each floor, from bottom to top are:
First floor: The image of the saint or virgin of devotion is placed.
Second floor: The glass of water, a mirror and candles are placed.
Third floor: Salt is put in to give more flavor to the food and for the children in purgatory.
Fourth floor: The bread of the dead is placed.
Fifth floor: The food and fruit that the deceased liked and those of the season are placed.
Sixth floor: Photo of the deceased to whom the altar is dedicated.
Seventh floor: Rosary made of tejocotes with a wooden cross.
The whole altar can be decorated with Day of the Dead flowers and more can be added.
WHAT DO THE THINGS YOU PUT ON THE ALTAR MEAN?
WATER: It is for the deceased to hydrate after the long journey.
CEMPASÚCHIL: This flower is used to guide the path of the deceased.
AROMA: Serves to purify the deceased. It is usually copal.
SALT: Serves to keep the body from decomposing and to put more salt in your food if you want.
ASH CROSS: It is for the dead to atone for their pending sins.
SAILORS: They symbolize faith and serve to guide the deceased in their journey.
FOOD AND FRUIT: The fruit and food that the dead person liked is placed as well as drinks for him to enjoy again.
BREAD OF DEATH: It is the most important because it is the basic food that is in honor of the dead.
Some toys can be added to the children’s altars for them to play with on their return to Earth.
The altar of the dead is a fundamental element of the Day of the Dead, it is the tradition that has been most preserved.
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