The calavera skull: a celebration of life for a symbol of death
In Spanish, “calavera” literally means “skull”. However, this term encompasses a much deeper reality than that of a simple skull.
In fact, there is arguably no Mexican lucky symbol more iconic than the calavera.
Associated with the “Day of the Dead” (a very popular holiday in Mexico), these colorful skulls are supposed to represent our deceased loved ones (often, their...
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The calavera skull: a celebration of life for a symbol of death
In Spanish, “calavera” literally means “skull”. However, this term encompasses a much deeper reality than that of a simple skull.
In fact, there is arguably no Mexican lucky symbol more iconic than the calavera.
Associated with the “Day of the Dead” (a very popular holiday in Mexico), these colorful skulls are supposed to represent our deceased loved ones (often, their name is also marked on the forehead of the skull) in order to pay homage to them.
They are then placed on altars or tombs in cemeteries alongside other offerings (the famous ofrenda), food and gifts of all kinds.
At first glance, all this may seem gloomy, sinister, almost morbid.
We are indeed trying to decipher this with our personal interpretation but we must understand that, for Mexicans, calaveras are indeed symbols of joy and life.
Already, painting skulls in fun colors, thus giving them an almost friendly appearance, is a good way to break certain taboos and, ultimately, we tell ourselves that those who have left us are perhaps having fun and partying there. where they are.
Yes, we are talking here about a land rich in color and with a culture very different from ours! If all this interests you, you might like these few Mexican lucky symbols that we have collected.
In short, we must also understand that, according to the Mexicans, these skulls allow us to get closer to life for a celebration of death.
This rather particular idea undoubtedly comes from the ancient Aztec civilization. There, in fact, allusions to death were numerous in culture and folklore.
