A few days from one of the cmost emblematic celebrations of Mexicothe streets, altars and homes begin to fill with color and tradition. Among the most representative elements of the Day of the Dead highlight the shredded paper and themarigold flowerselements that not only decorate the offeringsbut they are also loaded with great symbolism.
The Day of the Dead is one of the most profound and colorful celebrations in Mexico, so every year, thousands of families prepare their offerings to honor those who have already passed away.
As part of the traditions, some begin to put them on October 27, when the pet souls so that they are ready for the 28th (for those who died tragically); 29 (the souls of the drowneds); November 31 and 1, the “little angels” (unborn babies and toddlers) and on November 2nd that of the adults.
In this way, the offerings remain lit for several days, accompanied by candles, sugar skulls, bread of the deadwater, salt, copal, some traditional dishes and drinks or those that were the favorites of the deceased, as well as confetti and of course the cempasuchitl flowers, elements of which below we will tell you their meaning within the altars.
Shredded paper: the air that connects the worlds
According to an article in the UNAM gazette, the papel picado represents the wind, one of the four fundamental elements that must be present in every offering (along with water, earth and fire). Its delicate cuts made with the help of gouges, They symbolize the fragility of life and the passage of spirits between the world of the living and the world of the dead.
According to the artisans who make this traditional art, colors also have a meaning:
- Purple: represent grief and faith.
- Orange: Sun and life
- White: purity and hope.
- Blue – remembers people who died in the water.
- Pink or red: symbolize life and blood.
Furthermore, its manual production keeps alive a craft tradition that has been recognized as Intangible Heritage of Humanity for the Unesco.
Cempasuchil flowers: the path of light for those who return
With its intense color and unmistakable aroma, the marigold flower—also known as the “flower of the dead”—is the symbol of the sun and guidance for the souls that visit the altar.
Its glow and fragrance are believed to help the deceased find their way back to the underworld during November 1 and 2.
Something to highlight is that this flower is native to Mexico, the name cempasúchil comes from the Nahuatl cempohualxóchitl, which means “twenty flowers (composed of “cempohuali“, which is the number 20 and “Xochitl” which means flower), and traditionally, in the offerings, they are placed petal paths from the door of the home to the altar, like a luminous welcome route for loved ones.
Tradition, color and memory
Meanwhile, the papel picado and the marigold flowers are not simple decorations, but rather They represent life that transcends death. Together, they evoke the duality between the ephemeral and the eternal, remembering that the Day of the Dead is a celebration of love, memory and hope.
This November 1 and 2, each altar once again tells a story: that of those who are gone, but who are still alive among the aromas and memories.
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