Celebrating unity in diversity: The Day of the Dead

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SALT LAKE CITY — The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebration focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray and remember the loved ones that have passed away.

As part of this celebration, which originated in Mexico, people frequently construct an altar known as an ‘ofrenda’ in memory of their deceased loved ones. The name ‘ofrenda’ came because people usually place on the altars offerings such as candles, flowers and personal possessions.

By custom, the flower used to decorate the altars is the cempasúchil, (yellow marigold) also known as flor de muerto, which tradition says helps to guide the souls of loved ones back to the world of the living for that day of celebration.

To prepare for this special day, a family builds an altar containing things the loved one enjoyed in life, and also items intended to draw their soul back to the world, like flowers, candles and food. In this tradition, death is celebrated, and people celebrate with their loved ones who have died.

When she was younger, the “Day of the Dead” kept Armita Juarez captivated with its brilliant colors, butterflies, flowers, skulls, cut paper, humor and food.

“It was a holiday I used to enjoy a lot, because it emphasized the mix between the indigenous and the Catholic holidays,” said Juarez, a Mexican American who has been participating in the Day of the Dead celebrations around Utah since 2013.

The Day of the Dead is celebrated on Nov. 2, which is All Souls Day on the Catholic Church calendar. Its origins are the Aztec festival dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl, Lady of the Dead.

Some Utah Catholic schools honor the tradition by inviting the students and parents to participate in the creation of altars. Also, Day of the Dead commemorations at venues throughout the state celebrate the Hispanic culture. This year Trolley Square is hosting an ofrenda contest on Nov. 3, while the Utah Cultural Celebration Center is celebrating the Day of the Dead on Oct. 27.

To create an ofrenda, first determine the size: A table, shelf, or a whole room can be used, with boxes, chairs, bricks or hay as the base.

Altars can be simple or elaborate.

• Two-tier altars represent heaven and earth.

• Three-tier altars represent heaven, Purgatory and earth. They can also represent heaven, earth and the other world, according to the Aztecs; or in the Catholic tradition, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

•Seven-tier altars represents the seven levels that must be passed through to reach heaven.

Image: Usually a picture or painting of the person who is being honored is placed at the top of the altar.

The Cross: Every altar has symbolism that refers to the cross; this element was added by the Spanish missionaries to incorporate Catholicism into the ofrendas. The cross usually is set next to the image of the person being honored. A salt cross on the altar is meant to purify the spirits; an ash cross is set to help the spirits to get out of Purgatory.

Arch: Set in the highest part of the altar, the arch symbolizes the entrance to the world of the dead. It usually is decorated with yellow marigolds, the symbol of death, also known as cempasuchil or zempasuchitl cempasuchil.

Cut Paper: This represents joy.

Candles: These are used as guides to this world. Four big candles are set, symbolizing the four cardinal points. Other candles are spread over the altar, representing the path for the dead to get to the earth.

Water: Water has several meanings. It reflects the purity of the souls and the regeneration circle of life and death. Usually a glass with fresh water is set on the altar so the spirits can refresh themselves and continue their journey. Sometimes a bowl of water with soap and a towel are set on the altar so the dead can clean up.

Flowers: Yellow marigolds are usually spread all over the altar; besides serving as decoration, their scent guides the spirits to this world.

Skeletons: These are a reminder that death is always present. The skeletons can be made of sugar, clay or chocolate, and usually have colorful decorations.

Food: Days before the altar is set up, people cook traditional dishes such as tamales so the dead can enjoy the smells.

Bread: This represents the generosity of the host and a gift from the earth.

Alcohol: Sometimes small jars of tequila or beer, or the drink that the dead person used to enjoy, are placed on the altar.

Personal objects: Belongings of the dead person are set on the altar so the spirit can remember moments of his/her life. If the dead person is a child, usually toys are displayed.