Yellow is a symbol of the Mexican or Aztec marigold, representing death itself.Sugar skulls can be decorated with various colors, and each of them holds a special meaning: ![]() Flowers symbolize life, while cobwebs represent death. The skulls are usually embellished with both flowers and cobwebs. It also shows that the things we fear the most aren’t as scary as we think. The smile is meant to show joy and happy memories you think of when you remember a lost loved one. They would also often draw a broad smile. Similarly, the family of the deceased might decorate the skull in a way to resemble those who passed. A larger skull is a symbol of ancestors and elders. A smaller skull is in honor of an infant or a child who passed. Still, there are a few elements that are traditional in Mexican culture, with specific symbolic meanings: Various Motifs and Colorsĭifferent shapes of the skulls tell different stories. Sugar skull come in different shapes, colors, and interpretations. Just like the cheerful Día de Los Muertos, sugar skulls are about the celebration of life and remembering, instead of mourning. Death doesn’t have to be scary and bitter it can also be sweet. Its name implies that there is a certain sweetness in death. While skulls and skeletons may conjure an image of fear of death, the word sugar counteracts that. They capturethe joy, spirit, and life of the deceased ancestors and loved ones.Ī great part of its symbolic meaning lies in the name itself. In contrast to many other cultures, sugar skulls are often presented as cheerful and happy. While most representations of skulls are either morbid or creepy, sugar skulls are different. Just because they are not among the living doesn’t mean they are entirely gone their spirit will keep on living in the hearts and memories of their families. It’s not about mourning and dwelling on the loss of a loved one, but about remembering their lives and the impact they left behind. The reason this holiday, that revolves around death, is so colorful and bright instead of gloomy and sad, is because it’s a celebration of the lives led by those who are now gone. Some are covered in icing and ribbons, and others are decorated with glitter and other bright ornaments like bows and hats. The larger skulls are dedicated to adults, and the baby skulls are for those who passed at a young age. Depending on the age of those who passed, the skulls varied in size. They would write the name of the deceased on the skull’s forehead. Sometimes they put them on tombstones along with the favorite foods and items of the deceased one. It’s a part of their tradition to have them homemade and placed on family altars, to honor the person who had passed away. Once Mexicans learned they could make these skulls with just water and sugar, the idea of the sugar skull evolved and became an important symbol of the day.ĭuring the Day of the Dead, these decorative skulls adorn every household and tomb in Mexico. Sugar was easily accessible at that time, even to those with little money, so it was a natural choice. Therefore, they exchanged these with the ones made from sugar paste and, sometimes, clay. ![]() However, when Spaniards saw these rituals, they found it was grotesque to have real bones on the altars as offerings. The holiday has its roots in Aztec rituals, before the Spanish invasion, where people used to put real skulls on the altars for the dead. Sometimes, the skulls are gifted to loved ones that are still living, as a sign of appreciation and thoughtfulness. On Día de Los Muertos, it’s customary to leave sugar skulls on the altars as an offering, or ofrenda, to the souls people want to remember. Sugar skulls represent death, but in the Mexican culture, death is about celebration, not sorrow. It’s a celebration of life and a chance to honor the dead at the same time. It coincides with a Catholic holiday All Souls’ and All Saints’ Day in western countries. The Sugar Skull and The Day of The Deadĭía de Los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that takes place from midnight on October 31 st to November 2 nd. Let’s take a closer look at the sugar skull. Sugar skulls challenge the idea that death is frightening, macabre and to be avoided. ![]() The skulls are made of sugar and embellished with bright colors to represent death with sweetness and nostalgia. This festive and whimsical symbol is an important part of the Day of the Dead, or Día de Los Muertos – a Mexican holiday that marks the remembrance and celebration of those who have passed. Sugar skulls, or Calaveras de azúcar, are deeply rooted in the Mexican tradition and culture. The Sugar Skull and The Day of The Dead.
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