Unique observances that exemplify the fusion of Mesoamerican and European cultures, particularly regarding religious practices and spiritual beliefs, render Mexico's celebration of los Dias de los Muertos as the most distinctive holiday on the nation's calendar. Customs associated with this festive time of remembrance defy any strict formula, for the practices specific to each region vary considerably. Among the common threads that run nationwide are family visits to local cemeteries to decorate the tombs of deceased relatives, and the installation of memorial altars where special offerings are laid out with the intention of calling home the spirits of the dead.

In the pre-Hispanic era the Aztecs honored their dead with celebrations tied in with the harvest season and the journey to Mictlan, the land of the dead. Conserving some aspects of these annual rituals, but linking them instead to the observance of All Saints Day, November 1, and All Souls Day, November 2, was a factor that helped early Spanish missionaries successfully bring about the conversion of Mexico's indigenous people to the Christian religion. It is precisely this synthesis of old and new worlds customs that makes Dia de Muertos so intriguing.

According to century's old beliefs, the souls of the dead return to earth for two days of the year, wending their way home once the sun passes its zenith on November first. This is the time for families to begin setting up the traditional altar de muertos, laying out an offering of items intended to draw the dead and ease their journey homeward. children are remembered on November 1 and adults on November 2.

The altar in usually set up on a tabletop where different sized boxes or shelves are stacked up and draped with hand-embroidered napkins and tablecloths. A backdrop in created with swags of fine cloth or purple crepe paper, along with bright tissue paper cut-outs--called papel picado. The use of papel picado is derived from the Aztec practice of using paper banners in connection with important religious rituals. Common colors selected for the altar de muertos --purple to symbolize mourning and hot pink or bright orange to signify the joyful return of the departed--underline the bittersweet nature of the holiday.

A small ceramic brazier placed on the altar is used for burning copal, a pine resin incense the Aztecs used long ago in offerings to their gods. The pungent odor is believed to attract the souls of the dead, as well as to ward off evil spirits. Another lure is the distinctive fragrance of the marigold, the traditional Day of the Dead flower still known by its Nahuatl name, cempazuchitl. Petals of the golden blossom are often laid out on the ground to form a path leading to the altar. Marigolds may also be strung in garlands, fixed onto a wreath or cross-shaped base, or arranged in clay pots to adorn the offering. Stalks of deep red cockscombs and other seasonal blossoms may be mixed in for added color.

Elements of the tradition include candles and votive lights--representing faith and hope-- used to light the way for departed souls, water to quench the thirst, and food to feed the soul. Similarly, a cross may be formed at the foot of the altar using marigold petals, earth or ashes. Likenesses of favorite saints or other religious images are frequently placed on the altar to elicit special divine protection for loved ones in the afterlife. Family photographs are set out on the altar to recall the individuals being honored.