Altar de Muertos 

Day of the Dead ofrendas (altars) are a way to remember and honor deceased relatives and friends. Altars (or ofrendas) are set up in homes to welcome home the souls of the dead. Ofrendas are decorated with marigolds, favorite dishes, candles, incense, photographs, and objects of personal use.

The Libraries' ofrenda will be up from Monday, Oct. 21 until Monday, Nov. 4 in the Special Collections exhibit lobby. Stop by to see it!

Traditional ofrenda elements and meaning:

Structure: These levels represent heaven, earth, and the underworld

Food and drinks: Preferred food and drinks of the deceased which they only enjoy once a year

Personal items: Can be photos or objects

Salt: Represents purification

Copal or incense: Burned to guide the souls through its aroma

Marigolds (cempasúchitl) flowers: The flower's vibrant colors and potent fragrance help lure the souls back home

Mat or rug: Placed at the foot of the altar for the soul to rest after a long journey home

Papel picado: Special paper cut in the shape of butterflies and other symbolic iconography; represents the wind

Sugar skulls: Represent the person’s spirit

The Four Elements

Earth is represented by the crop. Souls are fed by the aroma of the harvest. Quail and birds are fed by the scratch and seed on the altar.

Wind is represented by a moving object as swift as the wind. Tissue paper (papel picado) is used to represent wind.

Water is placed in a container for the souls to quench their thirst after their long journey to reach the altar.

Fire is represented by wax candles. Each soul is represented by a lit candle, and an extra one is placed for the forgotten soul.

Past Special Collections ofrendas

Special Collections Ofrenda del Día de Muertos, Oct. 23 to Nov. 3 (2023)

Loved ones honored with Día de los Muertos Ofrenda (2022)

Visit the Día De Los Muertos | A celebration of life altar (2021)