Elements of an Altar

 

These are the most common type of elements and items that are commonly featured on an altar. If you are interested in participating in our Altar Competition then we suggest that your altar have at least the four elements and perhaps a few of the other items if possible.

 

Elements

 

Water: The most common, and easist, element to have featured on an altar is water. Usually a bowl or glass of water is placed on the altar. Water is featured to help the souls clench their thirst. It's a long way from the afterlife to the living world so it is always appreciated having something for the souls to drink on their return.

 

Fire: Candles represent the fire element for an altar. The fire of the candles help guide the souls to their altar and help ensure that their journey to the living is a smooth transition.

 

Earth: Food is the representation of the Earth element. If an altar is dedicated to a particualar individual(s) that one is familar with then, they usually put the deceased loved one's favortite food around the altar as a form of offerings. It is said that the souls eats the flavoring of the food. Hence if someone ate the food after the event, the food would not have any flavor to them.

 

Wind: Papel picado is commonly used to use as the wind component of an altar. Decorated all around the altar, the papel picado helps signify the fragility of life.

 

Items

 

Copal: A native incense used by the Aztecs. 

 

Flower: Particulary Cempazuchitl (marigolds) or flower of the dead sacred to Mictlantecuchtli, the Aztec god of the dead. 

 

Monarach Butterflies: These types of butterflies migrate to Mexico every year around the time of Dia de Los Muertos, so many people believe that the butterflies are either the souls coming back or are helping guide them to the altars. 

 

Pan de Muerto: These are pieces of bread that are in the shape of bones and that are dusted with sugar. This particular food represents the soil.

 

Photos: Images of loved ones who have passed away are a common staple of altars.

 

Salt: This is a preservative and purifying agen.