![]() ![]() The reason for the brightly colored rather than black and gray sugar skulls? It’s not used not as morbid symbol but as a whimsical reminder of the cyclicality of life, and to celebrate the lives of those who are gone. Part of the ancient tradition was kept alive by maintaining the figure of the skull in a sweet confection placed on a tombstone or an altar as part of ofrendas or offerings to the deceased. With the arrival of the Spanish conquerors and their religion, this ritual of commemorating the dead intertwined with two Spanish holidays: All Saints Day (Nov. The tzompantli could also be an altar illustrating the journey from the earthly life into the spiritual one. The skulls were an offering to Mictlantecuhtli, god of the underworld who’d assure a safe passage into the land he ruled. These civilizations believed in a spiritual life after death. One was the tzompantli, a wooden rack which displayed the skulls of war prisoners or human sacrifices. Their heritage dates to prehistoric times when the skull was a predominant figure in Mesoamerican (Mexico and northern Central America) societies and cultures in varying aspects and depictions. The loss of my mom seven years ago was the inspiration to learn about the holiday’s traditions and the baker in me decided there was no better place to start than with sugar skulls. I always make sure to get loads to share from La Estrella Bakery before Nov. Long before knowing their true meaning and significance, the colorful embellishments and artistry of the decorators creating one-of-a-kind folk art sculptures were captivating and beautiful. ![]()
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