34205767
Description
Flashcards by Andrea Pan, updated more than 1 year ago
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Created by Andrea Pan
over 2 years ago
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| Question | Answer |
| Candles | To symbolize the fire. Candles light the way home for the spirits and represent light, hope and faith. |
| Cempasúchitl Flowers/ Marigolds | Traditionally, the unique scent and bright color of marigolds are believed to help attract dead souls to the altar. |
| Papel picado/ Chiseled Paper | To symbolize the wind. The paper contains numerous holes. Some believe that these holes serve as doors for souls visiting their shrines. The paper is also very fragile. This symbolizes the fragility of life. |
| Salt | The salt is usually placed in the form of a cross as a way to purify the souls when crossing. |
| Glass of Water | To symbolize the element water. A glass of water is placed on the altar to quench the thirst of the souls after their long journey. |
| Copal | It is a tree resin used to make incense. They believe that incense helps facilitate communication between the world of the living and the dead. |
| Photographs | This is seen as a way to call loved ones to the altar so they can cross over. |
| Food | The symbols of the earth on a Day of the Dead altar often take the form of food. |
| Candy skulls | Sugar skulls, chocolate or amaranth seeds represent death and its presence in every moment. |
| Xoloitzcuintli ceramics | Also known as Mexican hairless dog, it is the particular breed that is considered by the Aztecs and Mayans as a guide in the afterlife. |
| Different Levels | The number of levels varies according to the region. 2 levels: symbolize heaven and earth. 3 levels: heaven, purgatory and earth. 7 levels: each of the steps a soul must take to reach heaven. |
| Arch | The arches symbolize the doorway that a Day of the Dead shrine creates between the land of the living and the land of the dead. |
| Day of the Dead Bread | The circle in the center of the bread represents a skull, the four buns placed on top in the shape of a cross represent the bones, which also represent the tears we shed for our loved ones. |
| Spirited Drinks | Tequila, mezcal and pulque (fermented agave juice) are offered to adult souls to relax and enjoy as a family. |
| Personal items | In some areas, utensils, clothes or toys are added to the offering to make it feel like home. |
| Monarch Butterflies | Butterflies are believed to be spirits of departed loved ones. Monarch butterflies, in particular, migrate to Mexico each year at the time of Day of the Dead, so it’s fitting that they appear in the festivities. |
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