My Day of the Dead AltarEmma Synnestvedt

11-19-13

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Background InformationAltars are made by people of all ages during the Day of the Dead. They are made for lost people or pets most frequently. Although altars can be for anyone, they are typically for only one person. They are made to help honor the legacy of someone. It is considered one of the most important traditions of the Day of the Dead. People sometimes will spend a lot of money on the altars preparing for the spirits of their loved ones to come home. The day of the dead is considered the most important Hispanic celebration, and altars are part of why. Making altars for a late loved one is considered a family tradition in the Hispanic culture. Altars Started off as being a tight family thing. However, you can now find altars for the Day of the Dead in offices and schools. They can be used as a learning tool to discover more about the traditions in Mexico and other largely Hispanic communities.

Some other altars

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My Altar

What I did

For my project, I made an altar for my late grandpa. I got most of the things that would be on a real altar including flowers, candles, a cross, pictures, food, papel picado, salt, and something he used to love that symbolizes him.

The components

The candles are there to help with welcoming back the spirits at the altars.

The salt is there to represent the continuance of life.

The picture is there to show who the altar is for. There are many altars made and the picture is a good way to see who the altar is representing.

The papel picado is there to decorate the altar. The altar is not made to be dark and scary. It is supposed to be a celebration of life, not a mourning of death.

The cross is there to symbolize the religion of my grandpa.

The flowers are there to symbolize death. The petals are spread around the altar to show the spirit the way home. They are often yellow or orange flowers on the altar.

The fresh fruits on the altar are there as offerings to the spirit. They are thought to be hungry after everything, so foods and drinks are often left on the altars.

The picture of the piano is there to symbolize my grandfather. He used to really enjoy music, both listening and playing it. Something of this m=nature is usually included on an altar.

Recourses• http://gomexico.about.com/od/festivalsholidays/ht/make_altar.htm

• http://www.celebrate-day-of-the-dead.com/day-of-the-dead-altars.html

• http://www.celebrate-day-of-the-dead.com/day-of-the-dead-facts.html