The Meaning of Sugar Skulls

Sugar skulls are symbols and representations of the Mexican "Day of the Dead" festival, as well as the Roman Catholic "All Souls Day." Sugar skulls are made from different types of molds filled with sugar, corn starch, egg whites and other ingredients, and are prevalent symbols used in religious and spiritual traditions.

Sugar skulls and their origin

Sugar skulls and their origin are traced back to central and southern Mexico, when religious friars celebrated offerings with lambs created from sugar placed in molds. The tradition of sugar molding erupted in the 18th century alongside clay molding in Mexico, and sugar skulls grew in prevalence as the traditional "All Souls Day" of the Catholics, and was adopted and altered by the indigenous Mexicans for their "Dia de los Muertos," or the "Day of the Dead."

Sugar skulls and their meaning

Sugar skulls are uniquely Mexican and represent the dual form of their "Day of the Dead" celebrations. "Dia de los Muertos" celebrations commence on October 31st, when it is believed that the souls of past relatives and ancestors are released from heaven and allowed to mingle with the souls of the living. These celebrations are not a time for mourning but celebration, even if it is a celebration of the dead. Traditional sugar skulls that decorate the festivities are perfect symbols for the holiday itself-- a mortal skull cast in the sweet sugar of celebration for living and dead.

Sugar skulls are the perfect symbol for the "Day of the Dead" traditions in Mexico which honor and celebrate the lives and spirits of those that have passed. They represent the sweetness of life as well as the mortality of all celebrating during those days, dead or alive.