One thing I learned about was
las ofrendas which are altars to the dead.
Las ofrendas can be 3 or 7 levels, depending on each family's choice. In all cases, the lower level is
el inframundo, or the underworld; the middle level is
la tierra, or the Earth; and the upper level is
el cielo, or the sky. ALL
ofrendas need the following principal elements:
- Agua - water for thrist and purification.
- Velas - candles as a guiding light.
- Papel picado - cut-out paper for wind and joy.
- Flores de cempasúchil - marigolds whose smell acts as a guide.
- Petate - a rug that acts as a bed or a place to rest.
- Figura de perro xoloitzuintle - a figure of a xoloitzuintle, which is a species of dog that has its origins with the indigenous people of Mexico and which is believed to help children feel safe in the world of the living.
- Pan de muerdo - bread whose circular shape represents life and death; parts of the bread are shaped like bones pointing in cardinal directions (North, East, South, West).
- Calaveras de azúcar - sugar skulls that symbolize that death is always present.
- Finally, bebidas - drinks the departed ones liked the most.
Hay muchos aspectos interesados y hermosos a el Día de los muertos. Una cosa que aprendé sobre fue las ofrendas que son altares de los muertos. Las ofrendas pueden ser 3 o 7 niveles dependiente en la familia. En todos casos, el nivel abajo es el inframundo.
Pages
