I found the aforementioned photocopy of the Day of the Dead altars. Below is a translation, I find this kind of stuff fascinating. The best we can come up with in England at this time of year is that the Guy represents Guy Fawkes. And chucking him on the bonfire, his torture and death…
Day of the Dead altar – Día de los Muertos – Panteón de Belén, Guadalajara
The altar should have 3 steps which represent the past, present and future.
It should also include the 4 elements, air, fire, earth and water.
On the 1st level goes the photo of the deceased with two large sugar skulls which represent death.
On the 2nd level you put everything that the deceased enjoyed and loved in their life, along with three medium sized sugar skulls which represent the Holy Trinity.
On the 3rd level you put 4 candles which represent the 4 stages which the deceased passed through and through which we all must pass: childhood, youth, maturity and old age.
On the 4th level you put three crosses. One of salt, to purify the place, one of ash, to show respect to the deceased, and the third made of candles to call the deceased to the altar.
There should also be 4 wax candles in each of the cardinal points of the compass so the deceased can find their bearings.
Blue candles represent the River of Death.
Purple candles represent pain and mourning.
Red candles represent passion.
White candles represent fire.
Xempazuchil (marigold) petals signify abundance or plenty.
A bottle of tequila and the favourite food of the deceased so they can remember the good times of their life.
Small incense burners with copal to scare away evil spirits.
A picture of “Las Animas del purgatorio” (The Souls of Purgatory) so if the deceased is still in purgatory he can find his way out.
A dog known as a Xoloitzcuintli, because this prehispanic animal was the only one who knew the path to get to the netherworld, he helps cross the river and guides the deceased there.
And small little skulls representing each person who made the altar and which shows that we are all mortal and will all face death.
“We thank you for your visit and invite you to say the rosary with us…”
