Nombre: _____________________________

Anatomy of a Day of the Dead altar

Reading Comprehension Exercise

______ 1. Pumpkins and skeletons paired with colorful flowers, dressed as bride and
groom, are made from sugar with intricate designs.

______ 2. The Day of the Dead is not meant to be a sad or frightening holiday, but an
uplifting time to remember loved ones who have died.

______ 3. Activists in New Mexico began to organize Day of the Dead processions and
altar exhibits in the 1960s and '70s.

______ 4. The Day of the Dead altar is a good example of the fusion of both religion
and culture.

______ 5. The Day of the Dead altar has two levels: lower and upper.

______ 6. The offerings that are placed on the altar are the favorite items of the
deceased with the intention to honor and welcome them back home.

______7. Incense made of copal is a penetrating aroma that lures heavenly souls to
Earth.

______ 8. The design on top of the bread of the dead is meant to look like skull and
crossbones.

______ 9. Food placed on the altar includes a deceased loved one’s favorite items to
eat.

______10. The skull art is a reminder of life's brevity and the inevitability of death.