•The deceased picture serves to help the soul’ departure from purgatory, if it resides there.
- Candles symbolize mourning, especially if they are purple in color or if the candleholders has any purple coloring.
- A small ash cross is used if the soul is in purgatory, thereby helping it to leave this place and continue its journey leading to the Creator.
- Medium size sugar skulls placed on the top run of an altar symbolize death that is always present.
- Four candles that form a cross represent the four cardinal points through which souls can be guided to their homes.
- The three small sugar skulls placed on the lower rungs are in honor of the Holy Trinity.
- The large sugar skull also placed on the lower rungs is dedicated to the Eternal Father.
- The aguamanil, soap and small towel are used in case the soul wishes to wash after a long journey.
- The water jug is used for the soul to wet its lips, dry after the long journey from beyond the grave.
- Liquor, preferably tequila, is placed on the altar to remember the wonderful, joyful events of his life with which the soul is persuaded to return to visit his family again.
- The copal is used for its aroma, to cleanse the surroundings from evil spirits; hence, enabling the soul to enter the home without any danger.
- The different foods are placed on the altar so that they may delight in their aroma.
- The big ash cross is used so that upon the soul’s arrival to the altar it may be freed from any pending feeling to remorse.
- The flowers provide decoration and perfume during the souls’ stay so that when it is time to leave the souls will leave content of having shared with their relatives.