These white candles symbolize the soul being alone, and are typically placed in an arrangement representing the cardinal points of the cross. Its strong scent and bright color are believed to be an attraction to the spirits of the deceased as they come to visit their family on the Day of the Dead.Ī cirio (sirio) is a basic, unadorned parafin candle placed on and around Day of the Dead altars. The Cempasuchil (sem-pa-sue-chill) is the bright yellow Mexican marigold, also known as the flor de muerto, which is the main floral adornment for gravesites and altars. Posada created the Catrina character as humorous social commentary, and it has since become a central figure in Day of the Dead art, celebrations and adornments. The original character of La Catrina was created by Jose Guadalupe Posada (1852–1913), a famed Mexican classical lithographer and illustrator.
The masculine form is known as a Catrín, for men who paint their faces during Day of the Dead festivals. It is also what you call women whose faces are painted as skeletons and are dressed in classic Elizabethan-style dresses.
Sugar skulls will often have the name of the deceased taped across their forehead.Ī Catrina is a classic female skeletal character used to depict the day of the dead. The word calavera means “skull.” Skulls are also prominent in Day of the Dead art, and calaveras de azucar, sugar skulls, are common altar adornments. The innocent little angels are children who have passed away and, according to tradition, are believed to return on the evening of October 31 and spend November 1 with their family.Ĭalaca is Mexican slang for “skeleton,” and you will hear the word often, because the calaca skeletons are used in Day of the Dead art and adornments, and many festivals use the word in their description. In addition to being celebrated as All Saints Day, the first day of November is the day of the Angelitos Inocentes, or Santos Inocentes. Read more about Day of the Dead altar elements. The public altars are often multi-tiered and filled with items that are reminders of the departed and traditional in nature. Also known as ofrendas, or offerings, many Sonorans create basic altars in their homes with the pictures and favorite foods and drink of the departed, flowers, bread, water and other traditional altar elements.Ī traditional belief is that the spirit of the deceased person who is honored by the altar returns to earth on November 2 to reflect and enjoy the offerings placed on the ofrenda.Īs cultural education, schools will often assign students to create altars in a school area or in a public location like the town plaza. Pronounced with the stress on the second syllable (all-TAR-eys), a many Mexican families construct a Day of the Dead altar as a way to honor and remember their deceased loved ones. Increase your knowledge of the Dia de Muertos traditions and customs by learning Spanish Day of the Dead words and phrases There are specific terms in Spanish used to describe the people, characters, altar relics and other aspects of this colorful day.
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