Dia deSymbols
los Muertos
Altar
& Traditions
Paper Banners (Papel Picado)
represent the element of wind,
are typical of many Mexican
celebrations but include symbols
of skulls for Dia de los Muertos.
Candles are symbols of light and hope
that are traditionally believed to guide
spirits to the altar. Incense made from
the resin of the Mexican copal tree is
also burnt.
Water as well as other
beverages once enjoyed by
the departed are placed on
the altar.
Marigolds (Cempasúchil) are known
as the flowers of the dead in Mexico,
where it is traditionally believed their
aroma guides spirits back to visit their
families on Dia de los Muertos.
Photos and other mementos
are placed on the altar to
remember those who have
passed away.
Food, including Pan de Muerto (Bread of
the Dead). It’s traditionally believed that
spirits of the departed are nourished by
the spirit of food left on the altar.
Skulls (Calaveras) made of sugar and
other playful, colorful depictions of
skeletons represent the circle of life
and death.
An important part of Dia de los Muertos celebrations
is building an altar or “ofrenda” (offering) to remember
and honor loved ones who have passed away. Although
traditions vary by region, altars in Mexico are typically
assembled and displayed in family homes and at cemeteries.
For our Dia de los Muertos Celebration, the MVHA will
assemble an altar in the Mtn. View History Center on the
second floor of the library on Sunday, October 30 at 1:00
p.m. The altar will be relocated to the Adobe Building for
our event on November 6.
In the United States, a growing number of cities have begun
Dia de los Muertos celebrations. A “Festival of Altars” has
been taking place at Garfield Park in the Mission District of
San Francisco since the 1970s. Traditional elements of a Dia
de los Muertos altar are described in the graphic above.
We invite members to bring photos of any departed
loved ones to display on the altar! Bring your photos
to the History Center on October 30 or to our event on
November 6. You can also email us your photos in advance
and we will print and display them on the altar. Email
the photo, the name of the person(s) in the image, and
blurb on any special connection they had to Mtn. View to:
[email protected].
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