A calavera or Sugar Skull is a representation of a human skull. Basically it is a decorative skulls made from either sugar or clay that are used in the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead.It can also refer to any artistic work of skulls.The mostly known calaveras are made with cane sugar and are decorated with items such as colored foil,feathers etc. and various materials
Traditional methods for producing Calaveras have been in use since the 1630s, which has roots in the Mayan etc.and cultural celebration of the Day of the Dead. The tradition of sugar skulls is for families to decorate their loved ones’ ofrendas with both large and small handmade sugar skulls. Children who have died, represented by small sugar skulls, The larger sugar skulls represent the adults, It is believed that the departed return home.
The indigenous people of central and southern Mexico have these traditions and ancient Aztec beliefs of honoring their deceased loved ones.At midnight on October 31, the spirits of all deceased children, known as angelitos, are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours and next day is for the spirits of the adults.
Mainly Nov 1, Nov 2 are the celebration time.
In pre-Columbian times the images of skulls were shown often in artworks like paintings, pottery, etc. During the 20th century a person named José Guadalupe Posada became famous for making Sugar Skulls as vain skeletons dressed in the clothing of the wealthy.
The most famous one was Catrina, wearing a feathery hat, fancy shoes and a long dress.These skeletons are created from many materials such as wood, sugar paste varieties, chocolates and nuts etc. When used as offerings, the name of the deceased is written across the forehead of the skull on colored foil.Sugar skull art reflects the folk art style of big happy smiles, colorful icing and sparkly tin and glittery adornments etc.
If you are painting a sugar skull on your face, here are some colors you may want to use: Red represents the blood in our bodies; Orange represents the sun. Yellow: usually in the marigold used in the celebration, represents death.
The sugar skull tattoo meaning can be death, remembrance, return or a symbol of spirituality.
