Sugar skulls are a common sight in media, design, and fashion. These colorful skulls, which are symbols of the Day of the Dead in Mexico or Dia de Los Muertos worldwide, have spread widely. People place sugar skulls on altars and graves to honor their loved ones each year on the Day of the Dead.
What is the Day of the Dead?
The Day of the Dead is celebrated in Mexico and the Catholic World. Spain, Italy, South America, and the Philippines celebrate it on November 1st and 2nd. It falls on the same day as All Soul’s & All Saint’s Day, a Catholic holiday. Latin and South American indigenous peoples have combined All Soul’s & All Saint’s Day and their ancient beliefs of honoring deceased loved ones. This is known as the “Day of the Dead.”
The traditional activities include special Masses and the cleaning of cemetery tombs. It’s only in Central Mexico and Southern Mexico that the vibrant parties are held in cemeteries. In homes, elaborate ofrenda altars can be built to honor family members who have died.
Day of the Dead celebrations believe that the gates of heaven open at midnight on October 31, and all the angels (dead children) can reunite with their families for 24 hours. The spirits of the adults descend to enjoy the celebrations that have been prepared for them on November 2. This festival is all about remembering and celebrating the death of loved ones.
What’s a sugar skull?
A sugar skull, or Calavera, is representational of a human skull. Most often, the term sugar skull refers to decorative sugar skulls made of clay or sugar. These skulls are used in the Mexican Day of the Dead celebration (Spanish: Dia de Muertos) and the Roman Catholic All Souls’ Day holiday.
Sugar Skull could also be used to refer to artistic representations of skulls such as Jose Guadalupe Posada’s lithographs. Most sugar skulls are made with cane sugar. They are decorated with colored foil, icing, and feathers.
What does a sugar skull represent?
Sugar skulls can be used to honor loved ones who have died. Smaller skulls represent children who have passed away, while larger skulls can be used to represent adults. Families decorate the sugar skull of their loved ones and place it on an altar. The skull’s forehead is covered with colored foil, and the name of the deceased is added to it as an offering. The belief is that the deceased return home to take part in the offerings on the altar.
Why are they called sugar skulls?
Sugar skulls are named after the material they are made from. Sugar skulls are made from sugar paste, clay, or wood. They are decorated with feathers and colored beads, as well as foils and icing. Most skulls are bright and cheery and meant to be a celebration of the lives of the dead.
How do you make sugar skulls?
Sugar skulls were traditionally made using molds. There are also methods to make sugar skulls without molds. However, the cast mold method has been in use since the 15th century. The process of making skulls takes a long time, and a craftsman can spend approximately four to six months.
How to paint sugar skulls?
You can paint sugar skulls with icing, or you can use common paints (acrylic or even watercolors). When skulls are meant to last for the Day of the Dead celebration, which is only a few days, icing is used. If the designer wants to make a more elaborate decoration or preserve the skull for a longer time, paint is used.
Can you eat sugar skulls?
A sugar skull should only be eaten if it was made specifically for that purpose. Sugar skull production is traditionally more about aesthetics than food safety or taste. Sugar skulls often have inedible decorations like foil, feathers, beads, and feathers.
Some sugar skulls can be eaten. These skulls can be made of cane sugar and can be flavored with vanilla. Skulls are also available in chocolate. Edible skulls can be colored with vegetable dyes. Like the more ornamental skulls, edible skulls can sometimes be engraved with names.
Where can I buy sugar skulls?
Two weeks before the Day of the Dead, sugar skulls are typically sold in markets around the globe. You can also find sugar skull candy in convenience stores like Target or Walmart.
How do you preserve sugar skulls?
Although sugar skulls should not be kept for very long, they can last for a while if stored in the right conditions. Your skull should be kept in a cardboard container (remember to avoid plastic) and in a cool, dry place (not too hot and with low humidity). It will last for up to five years. The preservation period can be extended by applying shellac.
If you’d like a Sugar Skull for your funeral, try developing a Life Plan with Life Events.
