Skip to content
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a vibrant celebration rooted in Mexican culture that honors deceased loved ones through colorful rituals. Far from being a morbid event, it is a joyful reunion between the living and the dead, acknowledging death as part of the natural cycle. This article explains the history of Día de los Muertos, the significance of altars and symbols, and how to incorporate its practices into your own memorial traditions.
Origins of Día de los Muertos
The holiday’s origins precede Spanish colonization, tracing back to Aztec and other Mesoamerican civilizations. Indigenous people believed that souls of the dead returned annually to visit the living. When Catholic missionaries introduced All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the traditions merged into today’s holiday, celebrated on November 1 and 2. November 1 is dedicated to children and infants (Día de los Inocentes), while November 2 focuses on adults. Despite its connection to Catholicism, Día de los Muertos is largely secular and open to all who wish to remember the deceased.
Symbolism and traditional elements
Central to the holiday is the ofrenda, or altar, set up in homes, cemeteries or public spaces. It welcomes the spirits with offerings representing the four elements: water (to quench thirst), wind (often represented by papel picado—perforated paper cut-outs that flutter), earth (food, especially pan de muerto, a sweet bread), and fire (candles guiding spirits). Photographs of the deceased personalize the altar. Marigolds (cempasúchil) are used to adorn the altar and create paths leading spirits home; their bright color and scent are thought to attract souls. Sugar skulls, painted with vibrant colors, symbolize the sweetness of life and serve as reminders of mortality. Food offerings include favorite dishes of the departed, fruit, and beverages like atole.
Modern adaptations and inclusivity
Although rooted in Mexican culture, Día de los Muertos has resonated worldwide. Its themes of remembrance and celebration appeal to people from diverse backgrounds. When adopting these traditions, it’s important to do so respectfully—acknowledge the holiday’s origins and avoid commercialization. Many non-Mexican families incorporate elements such as altars, marigolds or sugar skulls into their memorial practices without adhering to specific religious beliefs. If possible, attend community celebrations or events hosted by Mexican cultural centers to deepen your understanding.
Creating your own altar
Set up your altar in a safe, undisturbed space. Begin with a table or shelf covered with a cloth, often in bright colors. Place photographs of your loved ones prominently. Add candles to represent light guiding spirits and fill glasses with water. Decorate with marigold petals; if marigolds are unavailable, any bright flower can symbolize the element of earth. Bake or purchase pan de muerto and include other favorite foods. Add personal items like clothing, letters, books, or hobbies (e.g., paintbrushes or musical instruments). You may also include religious or spiritual symbols relevant to your family’s beliefs, such as crosses, rosaries or statues. Leave the altar for several days, spending time there telling stories, singing songs, or quietly reflecting.
Honoring children and pets
If you’ve lost a child, designate November 1 (Día de los Inocentes) for them. Place toys, sweets, or stuffed animals on the altar. Use softer colors like pink or white and write messages addressed to them. For pets, include their collar, favorite treats and toys. Acknowledge their unique companionship and the joy they brought into your life.
Community and public celebrations
Many communities host public Día de los Muertos events featuring parades, music, dance and art. These celebrations often include face painting in the style of calaveras (skulls) with floral designs. Participating can provide a sense of solidarity and shared remembrance. You might also visit your loved one’s grave, cleaning and decorating it with flowers, candles and offerings. Some families picnic at gravesites, believing the deceased enjoy the festivities. If the grave is too far away, replicate the gesture at home by spending time at the altar.
Integrating Día de los Muertos into your year-round remembrance
Elements of the holiday can be woven into your personal memorial practice year-round. Keep a small section of your home dedicated to your loved one, refreshed seasonally. Use marigold-colored candles on anniversaries, birthdays or meaningful dates. Create sugar skull art projects with children, using the time to share stories about their ancestors. If you enjoy baking, incorporate pan de muerto into autumn gatherings as a way to introduce the tradition to friends. Document your practices in a journal or photo album; this record becomes part of your family’s evolving memorial culture.
Our Best Selling Collection
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the shipping options for my memorial?
Oaktree offers free nationwide shipping on all urns and cremation jewelry items, with delivery typically taking 2-5 business days, including processing time. Need it sooner? Expedited shipping (overnight or 2-day) is available at checkout for an additional cost, and we will also prioritize processing for faster delivery. If you need international shipping, please contact us first to confirm availability and rates.
How long will it take for my engraved item to arrive?
Engraved urns and cremation necklaces require an additional 1-3 business days for personalization before shipping. If you need faster delivery, please contact us—we’ll do our best to expedite processing and accommodate your timeline. Expedited shipping options are also available at checkout to ensure your memorial arrives as soon as possible.
What do I do if I never received my order?
If your order hasn’t arrived within 10 business days, please contact us so we can track your shipment and resolve any issues. We’ll ensure your memorial reaches you as soon as possible.
What do I do if I received a defective order?
If your order arrives damaged or defective, contact us right away. We take pride in our high-quality craftsmanship and will work quickly to replace or repair your item at no additional cost.
Can I return my urn or cremation necklace? What is your return policy?
Oaktree offers a 100-day return and exchange policy for non-engraved items. Due to personalization, engraved urns are final sale and cannot be returned. For full details on how to start a return or exchange, visit our Returns & Exchanges page.
How do I make changes to an urn I’ve already ordered?
If you need to modify an order, contact us as soon as possible. If your urn is already engraved, we may not be able to make changes, but we’ll do our best to accommodate your request before processing.
How are your urns made? Where do the materials come from?
Oaktree’s urns are handcrafted in the USA and Europe using sustainable, locally sourced materials. Our artisans ensure each piece is beautifully designed and built to honor your loved one’s memory with care.
How do I choose the right urn size?
Each product page includes detailed dimensions, weight capacity, and cubic inches to help you select the right urn. As a general guide, 1 cubic inch holds 1 pound of pre-cremation weight. If you need help choosing, feel free to contact us.
Some urns are marked as “sold out.” When will they be available?
Our handmade urns may take a few weeks to restock. If you’re interested in a specific style, contact us for an estimated restock date, and we’ll notify you when it’s available.
Does Oaktree place the ashes into my urn?
Yes, we offer an optional ash transfer service for an additional fee. If you’d like us to handle this process, please contact us when placing your order. You’ll need to mail the ashes to us, and we’ll carefully transfer them into your selected urn.
How do I transfer ashes into my urn?
Cremated remains typically arrive in a sealed plastic bag inside a plastic container. To transfer them, simply place the sealed bag inside your urn. If needed, use a funnel for precise placement. If you have any concerns, our team is happy to assist.
How do I order an engraved urn?
To personalize your urn, select “Yes” under “Would you like your item engraved?” on the product page. If you’d like a custom design beyond standard engraving, contact us and we’ll explore options to create a unique tribute.
Can my urn be shipped directly to a funeral home?
Yes! During checkout, you can enter the funeral home’s address for direct shipping.
Can I customize my urn beyond engraving?
Yes! In addition to engraving, we offer custom design services, including unique finishes, symbols, or artwork. If you’d like to personalize your urn beyond standard options, contact us to discuss customization possibilities.
What materials are Oaktree urns made from?
Our urns are crafted from premium materials such as wood, ceramic, marble, metal, and biodegradable materials. We focus on sustainable sourcing and high-quality craftsmanship to create lasting memorials.
Do you offer keepsake urns or mini urns?
Yes, we offer keepsake urns and mini urns, which are smaller versions designed for sharing ashes among family members or keeping a small portion as a personal tribute.
Can I pre-order an urn for future use?
Absolutely! Many customers choose to pre-order an urn in advance. This ensures availability and allows for customization without time constraints. Contact us to arrange a pre-order.
Do you offer pet urns?
Yes, we provide a range of pet memorial urns designed to honor beloved pets. These are available in different materials and sizes to suit dogs, cats, and other pets.
How do I clean and maintain my urn?
Urns require gentle care to maintain their beauty. Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner for metal or ceramic urns. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture to preserve wood urns. Contact us for specific care instructions based on your urn’s material.
Can I travel with an urn? Are they TSA-approved?
Most Oaktree urns are TSA-compliant, making them safe for air travel. Choose a non-metal urn to ensure easy screening. We recommend carrying the urn in your carry-on bag and bringing the cremation certificate from the funeral home.
How do I track my order?
Once your order ships, we’ll send you a tracking number via email. You can use this to monitor the shipment status. If you don’t receive tracking details, contact us for assistance.
How do I contact Oaktree if my question isn’t answered here?
We’re happy to assist! Visit our Contact Us page to reach us via email, chat, or phone. Our compassionate team is ready to help.