How to Honor Loved Ones This Día de los Muertos

As October turns to November each year in Mexico, streets and homes are transformed by color and candlelight and song. Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, isn’t meant for mourning; it’s a celebration of life, love and memory.

Families unite to celebrate ancestors with happiness, because it is believed that on these two sacred days the spirits of relatives come back to enjoy some laughter, some tales and even meals. It’s a lovely reminder that love never really dies; it only changes form.

The Origin of Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos is a tradition that has existed for millennia and bridges native Aztec traditions and Catholicism introduced hundreds of years ago by the Spanish colonizers. 

The Aztecs conceptualized life as a dream, then death was simply waking from that dream. Today this idea has become a vibrant cultural celebration: 

November 1 – Día de los Angelitos: Honors dead children

November 2 – Día de los Muertos for the Grown-ups

This is no somber gathering, it’s a festive exclamation on life, an extended hand that keeps generations touching.

Key Symbols of Día de los Muertos

Every element in the Day of the Dead has a meaning to it. Following are the key symbols:

Marigolds (Cempasúchil): Path of Light 

Marigolds are known as the flower of the dead. The vibrant orange flowers and pungent fragrance that the blooms give off are thought to help lead spirits to way back to the world of the living.

• Line pathways or adorn altars to generate a trail of light
• Symbolize love, memory, and bonding
• Create warmth and vibrancy in your sacred space
  
  

Papel Picado: The Breath of Spirits

Paper banners in vibrant, dancing hues flow in the wind, symbolizing the fleeting nature of life and the thin boundary between worlds.

• Creates movement and happiness on your altar
• Honors life and memory
• Represents the bridge between past and present

Copal: The Sacred Smoke

Copal resin has been used for centuries to take prayers to the heavens.

• Purifies and creates a sacred space
• Serves as a bridge between the worlds of the living and the spiritual
• Welcomes peace, presence, and serenity
  
  

Sugar Skulls (Calaveras): Grinning at Death 

Sugar skulls decorated to honor the fragility and beauty of life. 

• Act as celebratory reminders of loved ones
• Symbolize the cycle of life and death
• Invite laughter, memory, and celebration

Candles: Guiding the Spirits Home

Candles illuminate the path for spirits returning.

• Each flame represents love, hope, and remembrance
• Helps calm the soul and unites earth and spirit
• Connects the gap of life and death
• Creates warmth and spiritual presence

Rosemary: Memory and Purifying

Rosemary signifies remembrance as well as spiritual consciousness.

1. Cleanses energy and brings calm
2. Fortifies the bond between memory and spirit
3. May be placed on an altar or used to scent your home
   
   

Pan de Muerto: Bread of Unification

This sweet bread, sprinkled with sugar and formed with symbolic “bones,” is served to family and given to the ancestors.

• Symbols unity and thanksgiving
• Represents cycle of life and shared memories
• Gathers families together to honor loved ones

How to Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Home

You don’t have to be in Mexico to mark this beautiful tradition. Here’s how to make a culturally rich tribute of your own at home: 

Setting an ofrenda (altar)

The altar should include photographs, candles, flower arrangements, incense and plates of food the person enjoyed.

Light candles and burn incense

Allow the gentle light and pungent smoke to warm and sanctify your space.

Add symbolic herbs and flowers

Strew marigold, set out rosemary, and burn copal resin to consecrate your space.

Cook and share a meal

Prepare foods your loved ones loved, food binds hearts through generations.

Reflect and give thanks

Take a moment of silence to recall those who influenced your life and honor the love that remains unaltered.

In the End, It’s All About Love

The Day of the Dead isn’t one day of remembrance, it is a celebration of life, love and memories that live on. Every candle burned and every marigold offered keeps alive the bridge between worlds. Bring an air of divine love to your gathering with spiritual herbs, incense and candles for LuckShop.com 

Any small corner in your house can become a peaceful abode of joy and reflection. Pay tribute to your loved ones, celebrate life, and remember that love does endure for eternity.