•  
A+ A A-

10 Items You Can Keep on Your Altar for Your Ancestors

10 Items You Can Keep on Your Altar for Your Ancestors

Setting up an altar to honor your ancestors is a great way to celebrate a life well lived. If you're getting ready to set up an ancestral altar for the first time you may wonder what kind of items to include. Following are ten items you should consider placing on your ancestral altar this year.

1. Special Pictures

Your loved one's picture is a central element of your ancestral altar. Choose the photos that mean the most to you. They could be a picture of your loved one as a child or They could be more recent ones. If you are creating an ancestral altar for more than one loved one be sure to include a photo of each person if possible.

2. Altar Cloth

An altar is a special and sacred place to honor your loved one. Its appearance should mirror the sacredness of the space. The cloth you choose could be your loved one's favorite color, or it may be a special item that belonged to them.

3. Tangible Items and Family Heirlooms

Do you have something small that was passed down through your family and now it belongs to you? Whether it's a pocket watch or a coin, be sure to include a place for it on your altar. Also, keep in mind that these items should be special things that meant a great deal to your loved one.

4. Family Symbols

Your family's heritage should play a large role in your ancestral altar. Find a picture, a piece of art, or a symbol that is representative of your family's heritage. A map of your family's country of origin is a great symbol to include, or you could even place wooden carvings or items like your country's national flower on your altar too. Get creative with what you include and be sure to ask your relatives for any ideas they might have.

5. Favorite Foods

Did your relative have a favorite food or personal recipe your family loved? Be sure to include those items in your altar. In many cultures, particular foods are sacred symbols and offerings that are reserved for certain days like those leading up to Dia de Los Muertos.

6. Drinks and Alcoholic Beverages

It's customary to include a drink or two on an ancestral altar. This drink can be something as simple as water or it could be their favorite alcoholic beverage. Many cultures include a can of beer or a glass of wine on the altar to serve as an offering to their loved one. Tequila is also a popular choice as it is customary to offer a toast to your ancestors and loved ones who are being honored.

7. Candles

Candles are always included on ancestral altars and there is usually a combination of pillars and votives scattered throughout the display. Whatever type of candle you choose you should place them in candle holders to keep the wax from spilling. Wholesale votive candle holders are a great option to consider if you're creating several ancestral altars for your family.

8. Incense

Incense is a very sacred item that is used throughout the world during religious ceremonies. Incense comes in many forms however it is usually available as a cone or a stick. Be sure to pick a pleasant scent and keep it lit while you're honoring your loved one.

9. Butterflies

In Mexico, butterflies are symbolic of ancestors returning to visit their loved ones. Include a few pictures of monarch butterflies on your altar, or you could even purchase beautiful butterfly replicas to scatter throughout the space. If you have children you could even get them involved with this part of your setup.

10. Religious Articles

If your ancestral altar is religious in nature be sure to include symbols of your religion as part of your setup. A bible or other sacred text along with a cross or other religious symbol is a beautiful way to honor the spirit of your loved one.

Conclusion

Your ancestral altar is personal and you can modify it any way you like. By keeping these tips in mind and taking the time to pick meaningful items you can create a beautiful and unique altar to celebrate and honor the spirit of your ancestors and loved ones.


This article was submitted exclusively to CrystalWind.ca by Hannah Boothe.

© 2022 CrystalWind.ca. All rights reserved. Do Not Copy.

Pin It

Liked this article? Dive deeper into personal growth and wellness! Check out CrystalWind.ca for spiritual wisdom or explore AromaWorx.ca for natural well-being tips. Spread the positivity—share this with friends on their happiness journey!

Let’s Chat! Drop Your Thoughts Below! Scroll down to comment

Keep CrystalWind.ca free—your gift matters now!
Help us spread light today. Thank you, supporters!

Follow this blog

Featured Writers

Thank You for Visiting CrystalWind!

We’re honored to be part of your journey.

Share your thoughts at .

Let’s grow together!

The Crystal Wind Oracle App
Shatter Illusions – Gain Clarity Now!
Instant Access On:
Apple | Android | Amazon
New! 53-Card Deck for Deeper Wisdom

Imagine a world of inspiration and healing, free for all—made possible by YOU!
Donate Now—Ignite the Magic at CrystalWind.ca!

Support CrystalWind.ca Today!

Unlock Your Light: Join Lightworkers Worldwide on CrystalWind.ca!

 

Call For Writers

Call For Writers!

Follow Us!

Featured This Month

Page:

Lammas by The Hedgewitch

Lammas by The Hedgewitch

Although in the heat of a Mid-western summer it might be difficult to discer... Read more

Sun in Cancer

Sun in Cancer

Cancer Sun Sign Characteristics Overview The name "Cancer" comes from Latin, ... Read more

Abalone Shell

Abalone Shell

Echos Of The Ancestors Abalone strengthens the structure of the body and th... Read more

Moonstone

Moonstone

Moonstone is one of the best stones for bringing emotional calm and stability,... Read more

Chalcedony

Chalcedony

The Stone Of Orators Chalcedony was very popular as a decorative stone in ant... Read more

The Oak Tree - June 10th - July 7th

The Oak Tree - June 10th - July 7th

Summer Solstice ( Alban Hefin ) Read more

Lugh - Celtic God Of The Sun

Lugh - Celtic God Of The Sun

The god Lugh was worshiped in Ireland as a deity of the sun. This connection... Read more

Cancer

Cancer

CANCER Jun 21 - Jul 22 Read more

Lammas

Lammas

Lammas Ritual Celebrated August 1st. Lammas is also known as Lughnasadh, La... Read more

Wild Rose

Wild Rose

Wild Rose Fills your life with soft romance. Gender: Feminine Planet: Venus... Read more

Birth Totem - Woodpecker

Birth Totem - Woodpecker

Birth Totem Woodpecker Birth dates: June 21 - July 21 Read more

Egyptian Zodiac/Astrology

Egyptian Zodiac/Astrology

Egyptian astrology was one of the earliest forms of astrology. The Egyptians w... Read more

Cancer Mythology

Cancer Mythology

The Mythology of Cancer: A Celestial Tale of Loyalty and Sacrifice Among th... Read more

Strong Sun Moon

Strong Sun Moon

Flicker – Carnelian Agate – Wild Rose – Pink June 21 – July 22 Read more

Calcite

Calcite

The Cleansing Stone Calcite is a powerful amplifier and cleanser of energy.... Read more

X

Right Click

No right click