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The Four Elements of Day of
the Dead Altars
The altar includes four main elements
of nature - earth, wind, water, and fire.
Earth is represented by crop: It is
believed that the souls of the dead are fed by the aroma of
food.
Wind is represented by a moving object: Tissue paper
is commonly used to represent wind.
Water is placed in a container for the soul to quench
its thirst after the long journey to
the altar.
Fire is represented by a wax candle: Each lit candle
represents a soul, and an extra one is
placed for the
forgotten soul.
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Ofrenda de los Naguales
Offering to the Animal
Spirits
The ancient Aztecs believed that when
a person is born they get a nagual, an animal spirit
companion who would be at their side throughout life as a
soul partner. Animals were honored and revered because they
acknowledged the sacred interdependence between humankind
and the animal world. Even today, the indigenous people are
well aware of the fact that without our animal relatives we
would cease to exist. Animal skeletons and skulls are a
common element on the Day of the Dead altars and represent
the sacred passing of a family pet or Animal Spirits. Our
animal relatives are appeased with offerings as are our
ancestors.
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