Ofrenda
Meaning of the Ofrenda
- The ofrenda is an altar that contains offerings.
- Ofrendas traditionally have flowers, food, candles, pictures of the deceased relatives and items that the relatives loved in life.
- Ofrendas can additionally be created on the loved ones grave.
- These altars frequently are decorated in three levels.
- The four elements of earth, fire, water and air are represented.
- The festive colors and skulls are meant to be lighthearted and irreverent.
Brandes, Stanley H. Skulls to the Living, Bread to the Dead : [the Day of the Dead in Mexico and Beyond]. Blackwell Pub., 2006.
Form
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Day of the Dead
- Celebrated in Mexico, Latin America, Latino communities in United States, Canda, Europe, Philippines and other countries that were colonized by Spain.
- Celebration of the afterlife that takes place each year.
- Celebrated by creating an ofrenda or altar.
- Cleaning and decorating the graves of family members.
- Children visit the homes of friends and recite prayers and receive treats.
- Coincides with the Feast of All Souls.
- Central to the celebration are photographs of the family members.
Brockman, Norbert C. "Day of the Dead." Encyclopedia of Sacred Places, 2nd ed., vol. 1, ABC-CLIO, 2011, pp. 126-127. Gale eBooks, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3301600081/GVRL?u=kctcsprcc&sid=bookmark-GVRL&xid=287106b2. Accessed 27 Sept. 2023.
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