Learn how to make a beautiful Day of the Dead Tree of Life with step-by-step instructions! I’ve also included a supply list and ways I honor my deceased loved ones.

Every year I look forward to the fall season because I get to build my altar in celebration of Day of the Dead. As my altar comes to life with calaveras, food, and candles I take a moment to reflect upon the passage of time as well as the souls that have slipped away with it through the pictures that I display. Some bring a smile to my face while others evoke sadness thinking of the physical absence of those that I have loved deeply.

WHAT IS THE MEANING BEHIND A TREE OF LIFE?

As the years continue to pass, my altar grows and incorporates new pictures and Day of the Dead decor. Recently, I decided to add an árbol de la vida – or tree of life, to it. A tree of life in the traditional sense has a number of meanings that span cultures and time. The meaning that resonated most with me was that it’s a symbol of family and connection to our ancestors.

HOW TO MAKE AN ARBOL DE LA VIDA

My Day of the Dead tree of life always displays photos of my grandparents. I also include items that remind me of them. I add butterflies and a hummingbird for my grandma Lola. Dancing calacas represent my grandma Maclovia and grandpa Ted who used to love dancing to norteñas at family fiestas. And the heart is a symbol of my great grandparents’ love for one another as well as their families.

SUPPLIES YOU’LL NEED

Tree branch with a vase or base that will sustain its weight
Photos of deceased loved ones
Small clothing pins to hold photos (or a hole punch with twine to hang them)
Meaningful ornaments or personal mementos (my calavera buñuelo ornaments add a cute touch!)
Marigold garland or favorite flowers to add color

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

To assemble a tree of life, simply stick tree a branch into the vase and decorate branches with photos and mementos! Follow step-by-step instructions below:

1. SELECT A TREE BRANCH

Pick a dry tree branch, preferably one with branches that look good facing upwards.

2. PREPARE THE BASE

Anchor a sturdy tree branch into a vase to create the main structure for your árbol de la vida.
A vase with a wide base and narrow opening on the top work well to keep the branch in place. If using one with a wide opening, you can keep the branch in place by surrounding it with rocks.

3. HANG PHOTOS AND MEMENTOS

Use small clothing pins or simply weave photos of loved ones you’ll be honoring through the branches. Be sure to spread them out so that they’re displayed on different levels of the tree branch.
Using twine, hang meaningful mementos or ornaments (nothing too heavy that remind you of those you are honoring.

4. ADD COLOR

Drape a decorative garland on the branches or vase – marigolds or other meaningful flowers, pompoms, or colorful ribbons work well.
FUN FACT: People believe that marigolds help guide spirits home with their vibrant color and scent.

arbol de la vida dia de los muertos — One new addition to my arbolito this year includes these adorable sugar skull ornaments, which Amado and Valentina enjoyed making and eating.

TREE OF LIFE: ADDING TO YOUR OFRENDA

If you already build an altar on Día de Muertos, this is a great way to expand upon it. However, if you are limited on space or have never built an ofrenda, a DIY tree of life is an easy way to get started, without taking up much space. My little árbol breathes life into our home every Day of the Dead. It’s also another fun way for my children to get involved in this special tradition.

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