First, decide on a theme or purpose for your altar. Some people focus on a particular loved one (pets are included). Others create a more general altar to honor all those who have passed. Once you decide, gather a few meaningful mementos and some traditional elements for the altar.

Elements of an ofrenda

A Day of the Dead ofrenda includes representations of the four elements: earth, water, fire and wind. Food illustrates earth, water is symbolized by a glass of water, a lit candle is symbolic of fire, and the movement of tissue paper represents wind.

Here's what is often placed on an altar:

• Sugar skulls: Widely recognized as a symbol of Día de los Muertos, sugar skulls, or calaveras, symbolize life’s sweetness. They may also represent specific people and can be adorned with their names. Brightly and intricately decorated, sugar skulls are sold at Mexican grocery stores or online. Families also make them at home. Hand-painted ceramic sugar skulls are also very popular.
• Marigolds: Marigolds, or cempasúchil, are the flowers of the dead, or flor de muerto. The scent of marigolds is thought to lead a soul to its altar. Petals are sometimes spread in a path leading to the altar and on the altar. A family may buy fresh marigolds for the occasion, but they may also choose paper marigolds if the flowers aren’t available. In that case, they might burn incense for fragrance. Other flowers used to decorate and add fragrance include cockscomb, chrysanthemum, gladiolas, baby’s breath and white hoary stock.
• Pictures: Photographs of the loved one are believed to draw in the souls of the people pictured. They show to whom the altar is dedicated and are often displayed in decorative frames.
• Water and tequila: It's believed that after such a long journey, a soul will be thirsty upon arrival. What better way to quench a thirst than water and tequila? In addition to or instead of, a loved one’s favorite drink may also be placed on the altar.
  
  

• Candles: Lighting the darkness for the soul to find its way, candles on the ofrenda symbolize hope, faith and light. They may be personalized with a loved one's name.
• Arches: Often made of flowers or reeds, an arch symbolizes the entryway to the world of the dead. A family might make an arch at home or they may buy it.
• Papel picado: The brightly colored cut tissue paper originates from an Aztec tradition of using something similar to decorate religious sculptures, shrines and burials. It's thought that the paper is cut so the soul can travel through the holes. It's also a symbol of the fragility of life. Papel picado is available at online party retailers or it can be designed and cut at home.
• Salt: Thought to purify the soul, salt is often laid out in the shape of a cross and offered to provide protection and strength for the soul’s journey.
• Pan de muerto: Baked in the shape of a skull and crossbones, this sweet bread is meant to nourish the soul after a long journey. Bread of the dead, as it's also known, can be homemade or purchased from a Mexican grocer or bakery.
• Other foods and candy: An ofrenda may also include foods traditional to a family's region of origin. It may also include a favorite food made in honor of the deceased.
• Personal touches: Adding items that held significance for your loved one, such as a favorite book or a piece of jewelry, can make an altar even more meaningful.

Assembling the altar

Once you gather all the items, pick a place. It's important that it is both accessible and respectful. Most families choose a table or a fireplace mantel in a prominent location in the home.

The traditional ofrenda has seven levels, though families will often create altars with fewer levels. The seven levels of the traditional ofrenda are thought to represent the steps that the spirits of the deceased must climb to reach the afterlife. The lower levels symbolize the earthly realm, while the upper levels represent the spiritual realm. The ofrenda serves as a bridge between the two realms, allowing the living to communicate with the dead.

Once you decide on a place and how many levels for your ofrenda, start arranging the items. Building an ofrenda is a deeply personal and emotional experience. The process of arranging the items is a way to connect with the memories of loved ones and honor their lives. There is no right or wrong way to do it—a Day of the Dead altar is your own unique expression of love and remembrance..

Experts in Hispanic traditions

Whether you're creating a Day of the Dead ofrenda or planning a funeral, a Dignity Memorial^® professional can help you honor your loved one with the sense of community and dedication to family that is important to Hispanic culture. We're experts in serving Hispanic families and are familiar with the traditions that mean the most to you.

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