Discovering the Tradition of
Mexico's Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead, otherwise known as Día de los Muertos, is rather deceptively not a one-day, but a multi-day holiday celebrated annually in Mexico on the first two days of November. Principally a celebration of both life and death in which families commemorate their deceased loved ones, it finds its roots in Mesoamerican culture, although its popularity nowadays is widespread.
Using Cempasúchiles (Mexican Marigolds)
Mexicans believe that this flower helps guide their loved one’s soul back to the world of the living, and given that it only flowers during the rainy season which precedes the Day of the Dead, it has now become heavily and primarily associated with the festivities.
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Creation or purchase of sugar skulls
The term ‘sugar skull’ actually comes from Day of the Dead festivities and is perhaps the most globally emblematic symbol of both the festivities and Mexico in general. Sugar skulls are either bought or made by families to add to their altar, and the name of the deceased is often written in icing on the forehead. In addition to the traditional sugar versions, you can also get chocolate and biscuit ‘sugar skulls’ during this period.
The origins of 'La Catrina'
La Catrina or La Calavera Catrina is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Dia de los Muertos holiday – but do you know her origins? The story of La Catrina involves three of Mexico’s most famous artists across two generations and the power of art as a reflection of society.
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The original La Catrina was created by Mexican Illustrator, Jose Guadalupe Posada as part of his series of satirical lithographs that addressed political and societal issues and were published for the masses in the Mexican dress. La Calavera Catrina was created in 1910 as a reference to the high-society obsession with European customs and by extension, Mexican leader Porfirio Diaz, whose corruption ultimately led to the Mexican Revolution of 1911. Posada’s Calavera wears a fancy hat – in the European style and her name ‘Catrina’ comes from the slang ‘catrin’ which referred to a well-dressed man or woman.
