Each November, many people celebrate Day of the Dead to honor their deceased family members and friends. One way to help departed loved ones to find their way home again during Day of the Dead is to build an altar or shrine in their honor. Make their journey easier by learning build a Day of the Dead shrine yourself.
Instructions
Learn Build a Day of the Dead Shrine
1. Set out a small, sturdy table to display your Day of the Dead shrine. Ideally, the table should be waist level to allow visitors to view the shrine without bending over.
2. Take three boxes and place them atop each other in a pyramid order. These boxes symbolize the three levels of death, as well as the Trinity.
3. Cover the boxes and table with a white linen tablecloth. From here you will build your Day of the Dead shrine by stacking special items among each tier of boxes.
4. Place mementos of the deceased on the upper level box. These might consist of photographs, family heirlooms or personal items that belonged to the deceased, such as jewelry, a favorite book or brand of cigar.
5. Attach a layer of papel picado around the boxes and the edge of the table. Papel picado is colored tissue paper that has been cut with scissors into intricate designs.
6. Place several votive candles on each tier of boxes and around the edge of the table, if there's room. These candles are traditionally allowed to burn overnight during Day of the Dead. In fact, many families sit for an overnight vigil over the shrine.
7. Spread marigold flowers around the shrine, either in vases or by simply strewing the petals around the objects. Marigold is the traditional flower of Day of the Dead.
8. Place Day of the Dead foods about the shrine to provide nourishment for your visiting departed. Typical foods include a sweet bread called pan de muertos, tamales, fresh fruit and chocolate. Also, water and salt are customarily offered as symbols of purification.
