Sugar Skull designs inspired by Día de Los Muertos, Skull Day of the Dead, this book is perfect for those who are looking for an easy way to relax and de-stress.
Here is an example of a Sugar Skull coloring book.
Did you know that November 2nd is recognized as the day when departed souls come back to visit their families? It’s called Día de los Muertos, or more commonly known as “Skull Day of the Dead.” This holiday is celebrated with festive activities such as lighting of candles in cemeteries and home altars, playing games, eating sweets, giving gifts, and dressing up like a sugar skull. If you love creepy things and have been scared witless by all those horror movies about ghosts and monsters — even if they didn’t have much (if any) basis in reality — then you might be interested in learning about Día de Los Muertos. After all, it is a celebration where many people dress like skeletons!
The History of Día de Los Muertos
Día de los Muertos is a celebration of death and the remembrance of loved ones who have passed away. It is primarily observed in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, and it is believed that this tradition has been around for about 3,000 years. The holiday originated from an Aztec festival called “The Festival of the Dead.” The Aztecs believed that souls would travel to the world of the dead, or the underworld, during the ninth month of the Aztec calendar (roughly August). According to their beliefs, people were cremated on the day they died. They were also buried with items like food, clothing, and toys to help them in their journey to the underworld. People also made vivid paintings of their ancestors’ trip to the underworld.
Activities for Day of the Dead
The centerpieces of all activities are flowers, candles, and food. Flowers are placed on graves to honor the dead, whereas candles are lit to guide the souls of loved ones back home. The food part is the most elaborate aspect of the celebration, since the menu includes all sorts of sweets, including sugar skulls. Many people set up mini funerary altars at home to remember the deceased loved ones who are no longer with us. They are similar to the large, public altars that can be found in cemeteries. There are many variations of such private altars, but they all have a common theme of remembering and honoring those who have passed away.
Here is an example of a Sugar Skull coloring book.
What does Día de Los Muertos Mean?
Although Spanish is the official language of Mexico, Día de los Muertos is not celebrated in all parts of Mexico. In fact, the original name for this holiday is “El Día de los Muertos,” which means “The Day of the Dead.” This name is used to refer to both the Mexican holiday and the American celebration of Halloween. During the early 20th century, the name of this holiday was Anglicized to “Day of the Dead,” which is the term still used to this day. Although the two celebrations have many similarities, they also have their own distinct features. Halloween is primarily a kid-friendly holiday. It is a time for kids to dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, and pretend to be spooky creatures. On the other hand, Día de los Muertos is far more elaborate, solemn, and somber. Instead of dressing up as scary creatures, grown-ups who observe this holiday often dress up like skeletons or other types of skeletons.
Sugar Skull Designs and Symbols
Sugar skulls are the most popular decorations made for Día de los Muertos. In fact, the word “sugar skull” might actually refer to the decorative skull, rather than the edible confection. These decorations are also edible, and they are made from sugar and sometimes corn syrup. The most important symbol of Día de los Muertos is the calavera (skull), which is decorated with bright colors and patterns. The symbol is supposed to represent the deceased loved ones, who are usually depicted with a smiling face. Some people also wear calaveras on their garments. The marigold is another important symbol of the Day of the Dead. It is meant to represent both death and life. The marigold is a flower that blooms even in the harshest of climates, and it is often used to adorn the graves of loved ones who have passed away.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the major traditions that are associated with Día de los Muertos. This is a very colorful and playful celebration, and it is a great way to remember your deceased loved ones. If you are interested in participating in this holiday, all you have to do is decorate your home with festive and colorful items, set up an elaborate graveyard-themed altar, and eat lots of delicious and colorful sweets.