Building an ofrenda is a beautiful way to honor loved ones during Día de Muertos. Each element— from candles to marigolds — carries meaning and helps guide the souls of the departed back to their loved ones. Whether this is an ongoing tradition or you are creating an ofrenda for the first time, this guide will walk you through the essential elements included in our Amor Eterno Ofrenda Kits to help you build one that reflects both tradition and your family’s story.
Elements of an Ofrenda
Cempacuchil (Marigold): Represents the sun and life, guiding the souls of the departed through its scent and color.
Calaveras (Skulls): A universal symbol of death and the fragility of life. On the Day of the Dead, they are used to remind us that death is a natural part of the cycle of life.
La Luz (The Light): The flame emitted by the candles on an altar symbolizes guidance so that the dead may find their way back to their loved ones.
El Vaso (The Cup): The cups of water represent purity and are offered to the souls so they can quench their thirst after their long journey from the afterlife.
El Plato (The Plate): Used to present food offerings to the deceased. They can also be used to hold purification elements, such as salt, which is believed to help spirits return to the world of the dead.
Alebrijes: Considered spiritual guides that help the souls of the departed find their way back to the world of the living.
Pictures & Personalization
Now that you have the basic elements and decoration, it's time to truly dedicate the space to your loved ones. Pick out your favorite photos of family and friends who have passed. If you don't already have them printed and framed, this is also a fun way to pick out picture frames that fit their personalities or maybe even use frames that were once theirs.
To personalize the ofrenda even more, arrange some of their favorite items or things that represent what they loved to do. This could be their favorite book or the apron they always wore in the kitchen. If they loved a certain sport or game, put out a deck of cards or dominoes.
If you purchased our Ana Maria or Celia Ofrenda Kits, you have a plate and a cup - it's time to fill them. On the plate, you can put out their favorite food, snack or candy. If you're fortunate enough to have tableware that belonged to them, consider putting those out too. As you read above, the cup filled with water represents purity and is there for the souls to quench their thirst after their long journey from the afterlife. In addition to water, you can also add any other beverages they enjoyed - a can of soda or a bottle of their favorite spirit.
Days of Celebration
Although its called Día de Muertos, it is actually a multi-day celebration. November 1 is known as "All Saints' Day, and it's dedicated to children who have passed on, followed by "All Souls Day" on November 2 when the souls of adults make their arrival.
November 1 and 2 are the main dates, but tradition holds that souls begin to arrive much earlier, depending on the way they left this earth:
- October 28 & 29: It is believed that on these days, the souls of those who died tragically, violently or in accidents arrive.
- October 30 and 31: On these days, the spirits of children who died without being baptized make their arrival.