Day of the Dead: Why not set up altars for those who recently passed away?

Day of the Dead is one of Mexico's most significant celebrations. Every November 1st and 2nd, families across the country build altars and offerings to welcome the souls of their departed loved ones. These altars are adorned with marigolds, candles, papel picado (cut paper decorations), pan de muerto (bread of the dead), and the deceased's favorite dishes. However, there is an ancestral belief that advises against setting up an altar for those who have recently passed away.

The Day of the Dead tradition blends pre-Hispanic and Christian beliefs. In the Mexica worldview, death does not represent an end, but rather the beginning of a spiritual journey to Mictlán. In the Catholic religion, souls journey to Paradise or Purgatory. This mixture of perspectives has given rise to rituals and customs that seek to accompany and honor the deceased, while also respecting the time they need to complete their passage to the afterlife.

According to tradition, the recently deceased are still in transit. Interrupting this process by setting up an altar could trap the soul between the world of the living and the dead, preventing it from reaching its eternal rest. It is believed that setting up an altar prematurely could "call back" the spirit, disrupting its spiritual path and its process of release. Therefore, it is advised to wait until the following year to include the recently deceased on family altars.

Although a traditional altar is not recommended, there are respectful ways to honor the deceased's memory. Many families place a white candle and marigolds next to a photograph of the departed, as a symbol of love and spiritual support. This practice allows them to keep the memory alive without interfering with the soul's journey. It is a way to show respect, love, and hope while awaiting the departed's first official visit on the Day of the Dead next year.

The Day of the Dead teaches that honoring the deceased also means respecting their journey to the light. Waiting before including the recently deceased on the altar ensures their spiritual transition is complete and that they can rest in peace. Mexican tradition, with its profound sense of respect and remembrance, invites families to combine rituals, symbols, and faith to keep the symbolic presence of loved ones alive, preserving their rest and strengthening the connection between the living and the dead.