Los dios muertos - Rembering loved ones Poster

The Day of the Dead is an interesting holiday. While it takes place right after Halloween, it has nothing to do with that holiday. When its Halloween, you dress like a skeleton, you are supposed to scare your friends. However in this holiday, the skeletons are your friends, or in most cases your family. Its the one time of the year, that for 24 hours or so, the spirits of your loved ones come to visit you. Tables have images of the deceased, and the altars are adorned with many different items. Each item is symbolic; the paper flags they use represent the wind, the glass of water, represents water, but also served as a refreshment for the soul. Food is for earth, and candles are for fire. Sugar skulls and anything to do with skulls and death in general are brightly coloured and placed everywhere. What's more interesting are the personal effects and grooming. Its believed that when the souls come to visit, they might want to freshen up a bit, so soap, a towel, perhaps a basin of water, razor and so forth are provided. Each altar, has an image (one or more), of the souls they represent, the alter is for them and customized just for them. Therefore it only makes sense to also include all of their favourite foods. Children often get candy, adults get more spicy foods, but it's all very personal to the person your honouring. You can learn about the person who this alter is for. It all depends what items are chosen. It's a good way to remember your loved ones.