Wednesday 2 November 2011

SUGAR SKULLS TO HONOUR DAY OF THE DEAD

November 2 is celebrated as Day of the Dead throughout Mexico and around the world in many cultures. Family and friends gather and  pray for those who have died. It is particularly celebrated in Mexico, where it is a National Holiday. The celebration takes place on November 1 to honour the infants who have passed way and November 2, to honour the deceased adults. 

Favorite meals and drinks of the honored are placed by the family, to show that they’re remembered. The food is usually eaten on the night of November 2nd by the family athough in some places it is thrown away. Marigold is the most common flower that is used as the colour represents the power of the sun and life. White flowers are used to represent the sky, purple ones to represent mourning, and red flowers to symbolize human life. Candles are lit to represent light, faith and hope.
As a part of the celebration to honour the dead,  Sugar skulls are made from sugar, meringue powder, and water. The mixture is pressed into a mould and allowed to dry, creating a plain white three-dimensional skull. Once formed, the sugar skull are painted with bright colours and decorated with icing which are edible. Other decorative items are made with skull symbolism to honour the dead. Sometimes a blank area is left on the forehead of the skull to write the name of the deceased that it's dedicated to. Sugar skulls are gifts that can be given to both the living and the dead. Dolls, mugs, decorative items with skulls on them, skull figurines, skull tattoos are all popular as a part of the celebration. Here are some pictures I came across.














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