Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos, meaning Day of the Dead, is celebrated on November first within the Hispanic cultures around the world. Originating in Mexico, this annual ritual dates back some 3,000 years in history. The rituals are about honoring and communicating with one’s dead ancestors, and was practiced among the Zapotec, Mixtec, Olmec, Maya, P'urhepecha, Totonac and Mexica societies.

Why all the skulls you might ask? Back when this rite began, human skulls were kept in the family homes on displayed. During this celebration, they were used in rituals as ancestral symbols of death and rebirth.

The 16th century European invaders attempted to put an end to this type of ancestral worship, but like many pagan traditions, they simply were observed in secret until such a time as the celebrations could be brought back out into a more culturally accepting environment.

The Spanish conquistadors introduced the indigenous peoples of Mexico to Roman Catholicism, and thus we see the influences through the images of the Lady of Guadalupe; a more modern version of the Hispanic goddess Tonatzin.

The Day of the Dead occureed in the ninth month of the Aztec calendar (in month of August) and it was dedicated to Mictecacihuatl, the mythical Queen of Mictlan; which was the world of the dead. The Franciscan friars attempted to convert the Day of the Dead into the Day of All Souls, and changed the name of Mictecacihuatl to Mary. Today we see these influences still, but know that these ancient goddesses are still worshipped by all their many names.We have a great Day of the Dead celebration in San Francisco! Say “Hi” if you see us there. We’ll be admiring the ancestor altars and watching the wonderfully costumed parade of the dead. Blessed be our ancestors!

Sugar skulls are a colorful traditional decoration for the Day of the Dead's ancestoral celebration and rememberance. Enjoy the video and recipe from our friend

CharmingPixieFlora.

Sugar skulls recipe by CharmingPixieFlora
• 4 to 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 egg white
•  1 TBS corn syrup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• Cornstarch
• Food coloring
• 1 Paintbrush
• Large plastic bag
• Large container

In a large bowl mix the egg white, corn syrup, and vanilla in a clean bowl until all incorporated. Mix in the powdered sugar about two cups at a time until a dough ball forms and the dough is no longer wet looking. Remove dough from bowl and knead on a hard surface that has been dusted with powdered sugar. Keep kneading until dough is firm and stiff.

Put about 1 cup of corn starch in the large plastic bag. Form dough into 1 inch balls and coat, in starch filled bag. Place starch coated balls into large container.

Cover container tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerator overnight.

When ready to form skulls, take sugar ball and cup in hands for about 5 to 10 seconds to warm the ball slightly, so it will not crack while shaping. When ball becomes slightly pliable, form your skull.

Set on tray and let dry overnight.
Decorate with food coloring.

You can read more about Samahin in our Goddess magazine.