Day of the Dead: The Origins and Symbolism of La Ofrenda
- Josebet Luna
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Halloween may have passed, but the spirit of the season continues with a celebration that transcends cultures—the Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos. This Mexican tradition, now recognized worldwide, has captured global attention through vibrant art, colorful altars, and films like Coco, which beautifully portray the essence of the celebration. Personally, it’s one of my favorite traditions for its rich symbolism, vivid colors, and, of course, its delicious food.
At the heart of this celebration lies La Ofrenda—the altar created to honor and welcome the souls of departed loved ones. More than a decorative display, the Ofrenda represents a profound blend of history, spirituality, and artistry. Like a well-designed architectural space, it connects people across generations, existing both in the home and in the heart. In recognition of its cultural depth, Día de los Muertos was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.
Origins of La Ofrenda
The origins of La Ofrenda date back to pre-Hispanic times. Indigenous peoples offered food, figurines, and other items to their deities as acts of devotion. With the colonization of the Americas by the Spanish and the introduction of Catholicism, these ancestral rituals merged with Christian beliefs, evolving into a celebration that honors the souls of the departed.
Over time, this fusion gave rise to the modern Ofrenda, an altar created in cemeteries and homes to welcome the spirits of loved ones. Today, each family designs its own version—unique in style and meaning, yet connected by shared symbols of remembrance and love.
La Ofrenda: Structure and Meaning
Growing up in Mexico City, I had the joy of creating many Ofrendas in memory of my ancestors. Each altar was an immersive experience—alive with scents, colors, lights, and flavors that created a sacred atmosphere. Every element has a purpose and contributes to the composition of the space as a whole.
The Levels
Ofrendas can vary in size and complexity. The most common design features two levels, representing the earth and the sky. A third level can symbolize purgatory, while seven levels represent the seven stages the soul must pass through—either the seven deadly sins in Catholic belief or the seven layers of Mictlán, the Aztec underworld.
The Food
Food plays a central role in La Ofrenda. Families prepare the favorite dishes of their departed loved ones, believing their spirits return to enjoy them once more. Certain foods also carry symbolic meanings:
Water represents the source of life and quenches the thirst of souls after their long journey.
Pan de muerto (bread of the dead) symbolizes the cycle of life and death: the round shape representing the skull, while the crossed strips signify bones. Its aroma of orange blossom honors the memory of those who have passed.
Decorations
A true Ofrenda is a feast for the senses, and with its color, scent, or light, contributes to welcoming the soul's home.
Portraits of the deceased and sugar or chocolate skulls (calaveras) represent the presence of the loved ones being honored.
Candles, influenced by Catholic tradition, illuminate the path that guides spirits back to the living world.
Cempasúchil (Aztec marigolds), with their vivid orange petals and distinctive fragrance, adorn the altar and form symbolic “paths” for the souls, just like the marigold bridge in Coco.
Papel picado, or cut-paper banners, trace their origins to pre-Hispanic rituals. Once made of bark paper decorated with images of gods, today they appear in vibrant colors, fluttering above or around the altar to frame the space and represent the fragility of life.
A Living Tradition
From ancient offerings to modern-day altars, La Ofrenda embodies a continuous dialogue between life, death, and memory. It’s a space where family, art, and faith converge; a reminder that love endures beyond time.
So next time you wish to honor a loved one who has passed, remember that each candle, flower, and aroma carries centuries of tradition. Building an Ofrenda is not only a way to remember; it’s a way to keep the connection alive.
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Written by Josebet Luna
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