Rather it is a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico on the 1st and 2nd of November.
While visiting the mall the other day we came across this display for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
According to this banner, the altar consists of seven steps that represent the levels that the soul must pass through in order to rest. On each step of the altar, friends and family display certain items as described below.
1st step: A photo of a saint or the virgin Mary.
2nd Step: Is intended for the spirits of purgatory.
3rd step: Salt for the children of purgatory.
4th step: Pan de muerto (a special sweet bread) adorned with red sugar that stimulates the blood.
5th step: Food and fruit preferred by the deceased.
6th step: A photo of the deceased that the altar is dedicated to.
7th step: A rosary cross made of tejocotes (a particular fruit) and limes.
Even in our neighborhood we have seen a variety of altars, although not as elaborate as this one in the mall.
I appreciate the desire Mexicans have to honor their dead and help them find rest. But our heart's desire and prayer for our neighbors is that they find rest in the One who has already conquered death.
Will you pray with us for our Mexican neighbors?
But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. -1 Corinthians 15:20-22
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