#Dia de los muertos altar 7 levels how to

The altar is always decorated with many objects, each of which symbolizes something. In the Christian tradition, it has to do with the seven deadly sins. It’s usually constructed with a multilevel structure: Two levels if you want to separate the earthly world from the celestial one three if you want to separate the sky, earth and the underworld or seven, since this is the number of levels that a soul must pass through to reach heaven.Īccording to the Aztec culture, these seven levels are connected to the way in which one dies.

#Dia de los muertos altar 7 levels how to

It can take several possible forms - and there are many rules on how to assemble it correctly. The altar is the centerpiece of the Día de Muertos celebration. Here are 12 items that you have to know to fully understand this celebration of life and death. People believe that on this day, the spirits come to the altar where they are represented (through photographs and personal objects) to be surrounded by the loved ones they left behind.Īs with other important religious celebrations, there are several key elements for this celebration. It’s a day to reflect on the transience of our existence, to remember our loved ones and celebrate the idea that their legacies and essences stay with us. The Day of the Dead takes place on November 2 and, due to its distinctly religious background, is also known as All Souls’ Day.Īt the center of this celebration is the importance of taking a moment to value life by looking at death. Pre-Columbian cultures celebrated many rites related to death, and after the arrival of the Spaniards, these celebrations took on new forms that attract attention from around the globe.

Día de Muertos is a holiday that dates back to the Spanish Conquest: It’s a merging of different pre-Hispanic traditions that honored the cycle of life and death, which were later influenced by the imposition of Catholicism.