You put salt and water on an ofrenda (Day of the Dead altar) to purify and refresh visiting spirits: water quenches their thirst after a long journey from the spirit world, while salt cleanses them, protects them from corruption, and helps preserve their essence, ensuring their safe return each year. These elements also represent the four essential elements of life (water, earth, wind, fire).
Salt placed on an ofrenda is said to quench the thirst of souls. Photographs: Photos of the deceased are placed on an altar. Like the scent and bright color of marigolds, these are meant to help souls find their altar.
In many religions, salt is still included on the altar to represent purity, and it is mixed into holy water of various sects for the same reason.
Here are some guidelines and items to include:
Many people make altars or “ofrendas” (offerings) in their homes to honor their loved ones who have died. Every ofrenda also includes the four elements: water, wind, earth and fire. Water is left in a pitcher so the spirits can quench their thirst. Papel picado, or traditional paper banners, represent the wind.
The Altar or "ofrenda" usually starts on October 31 and stays until November 2. It is believed that the souls of the departed children start arriving on October 31 and remain until midday of November 1, when the souls of the adults start coming.
Water is an extremely important element that should never be absent from the altar. Used to quench the thirst of the spirits after their long journey, it is believed to be the first thing the spirits look for.
The altar is up for eight days, but only with the flowers, the flowers that we put there from All Saints, we leave, but the fruit, we take away.
It's believed—although disputed—that the tradition descends from the mixing of Aztec beliefs with traditional Catholic ones, but the evidence is unclear, and the Catholic Church in Mexico does not take issue with ofrendas, so we can be certain that they are not pagan, nor worshipping their ancestors.
Common items include marigolds, photographs of the deceased, skeleton figurines, water, candles, and incense. A special perforated decorative paper called papel picado is commonly found on or around ofrendas.
Salt is used for various spiritual reasons, with several testimonies recorded from breakthrough to restoration to spiritual protection, fortification, and others. This is why it is often used in important events and rituals that involve declarations and prayers.
According to the Aztec culture, a traditional altar's seven levels represent the seven destinations that a soul must cross to be able to rest eternally. However, this altar has many elements of the Catholic religion, due to the syncretism that arose after the Spanish conquest.
Use Rock Salt to Absorb Negative Energy
Place small bowls of rock salt in the corners of each room. This helps absorb negative vibrations and purifies the air, restoring balance to your space.
Ofrendas include the four classical elements:
Spiritual Cleansing: Salt is believed to purify the deceased's spirit, helping it transition peacefully to the afterlife. Warding off evil spirits: Salt is thought to create a spiritual barrier, protecting both the dead and the living from malevolent forces.
While in some traditions one should wait a year after someone's death to put their photo and belongings on the ofrenda, it's ultimately a personal decision that should be made after much thought and conversation with other family members.
Can Anyone Make an Ofrenda? While anything that has to do with cultures other than your own should be dealt with with the utmost respect, a lot of Mexicans believe that ofrendas are something everyone can partake in.
Cremation and the Resurrection Debate
Many believe that cremation prevents the resurrection of the body, but this is not a biblical teaching. The resurrection focuses on the soul and spiritual body rather than the physical remains.
The first 7 days after death are considered particularly important because this is when the soul is believed to undergo judgment and transition. Families conduct rituals, prayers, and offerings to ensure the deceased accumulates positive karma, increasing their chances of a favorable rebirth.
The ofrendas speak of affection toward the deceased and are an expression of love towards life. Altars are traditionally built on October 30th and 31st and are taken down November 2nd.
Come with flowers for graves, Day of the Dead bread, and candles. You can connect with a family this way if you make an offering to their loved one. Please do not arrive drunk or bring mezcal into the cemeteries. This is not your celebration.
Elements of an Ofrenda (text)
It signifies a sacred bond and divine protection. Demons, being entities rooted in darkness and malevolence, stand in stark opposition to the purity and sanctity represented by salt. Their aversion to salt can be seen as a reaction to its potent symbol of light and divine presence.
Set Up Photographs: Position photographs of your deceased loved ones. These serve as a visual connection to the spirits being honored. Include Personal Belongings: Place the favorite foods, drinks, and belongings of your loved ones on the ofrenda. This shows that you remember and honor their preferences.