What does the sugar skull represent in Mexico?

Sugar skulls represented a departed soul, had the name written on the forehead and was placed on the home ofrenda or gravestone to honor the return of a particular spirit. Sugar skull art reflects the folk art style of big happy smiles, colorful icing and sparkly tin and glittery adornments.

What are the Mexican painted skulls called?

calavera
The calavera (a word that means “skull” in Spanish but that has come to mean the entire skeleton) has become one of the most recognizable cultural and artistic elements of the Day of the Dead festivities. Made from wood, paper maché, sugar paste, or carved bone, the colorful calavera are joyful, celebratory figures.

What does the calavera symbolize?

Sometimes referred to as a “sugar skull”, the calavera, or skull in Spanish, is a powerful symbol from Mexico to celebrate the Day of the Dead.

Why are marigolds used for Day of the Dead?

Marigolds. Often called “flowers of the dead,” cempasuchil, or flor de muerto, these bright orange and yellow flowers’ fragrance is said to attract souls to the altar. Their bright and cheery color also celebrate life instead of feeling bitter about death.

Why are marigolds important in Day of the Dead?

Why are marigolds used for Día de los Muertos?

The fragrance of the bright orange and yellow flowers is said to lead souls from their burial place to their family homes. The cheerful hues also add to the celebratory nature of the holiday, which, although it’s wrapped up in death, is not somber but festive.

Why are marigolds used during Day of the Dead?

What is the myth behind the marigold?

Their use in these celebrations is believed to be tied to a romantic Aztec origin myth about two lovers, Xótchitl and Huitzilin. According to the legend, the lovers would often hike to the top of a mountain to leave flower offerings for the sun-god Tonatiuh, and to swear their love and commitment to one another.

What do marigolds symbolize in Mexico?

Marigolds, or flowers in general, also represent the fragility of life. The marigold most commonly used in Dia de los Muertos celebrations is the Targetes erecta, Mexican marigold or Aztec marigold, otherwise known as cempasuchitl or flower of the dead. Mexican marigolds are quite tall, reaching up to 3′.