Ofrenda

• In Mexico, ofrendas, also called alters or altares, are set up in preparation for the annual Dia de los Muertos celebration, which takes place on November 1 and 2 of each year. Ofrendas, however, are not meant to be worshiped but are merely a form of remembrance and homage to deceased relatives. An ofrenda is typically set up on a table that has been covered with a high-quality tablecloth, usually white. This is covered by papel picado, a layer of cut tissue paper, before objects are placed on the ofrenda.
  
  

Religious Symbols

• Ofrendas can consist of several levels or tiers, on which various objects are placed. The top level of an ofrenda is typically reserved for crucifixes, rosaries, images and statues of Catholic saints and other types of religious objects, especially those that had particular relevance or significance to the deceased.
  
  

Photos and Personal Objects

• Pictures of the those being honored are generally placed on the ofrenda. In addition, personal objects that were important to the deceased can also be included, such as a person's favorite item of clothing or jewelry. If the ancestors enjoyed smoking and drinking, cigarettes and bottles of liquor may also be included. An ofrenda set up in memory of a dead child will usually include small toys and other children's objects.
  
  

Candles, Incense and Flowers

• A candle is placed upon the ofrenda in memory of the deceased. If the ofrenda is honoring more than one person, a candle is included for each relative. The significance of the candles is to provide light to guide the spirits of the ancestors back to their homes during El Dia de los Muertos. In addition, incense --- called Copal --- is burned as a way to help prayers become elevated and travel more effectively to God. Flowers are also placed on ofrendas as a way of symbolizing the impermanence of life. The most common type of flower used in ofrendas is the cempasuchitl, and flowers are sometimes formed into a the shape of a cross.
  
  

Food

• Food that has been specially prepared for ancestors can also be placed on an ofrenda. Common ofrenda dishes include mole, tamales, fruit, hot chocolate and dried fruit. Another tradition is to place salt and water on the ofrenda, which are meant to quench the thirst of the ancestors' souls after they've made the long trip from the afterlife. Traditional sugar skulls and skeletons, common in Dia de los Muertes celebrations, may also be placed on ofrendas.