What is the Origin and Meaning of the iconic Mexican Skull?

 Beautiful, flowery, colorful and mysteriously full of life. The Meaning of the Mexican Skull has always been an unknown for many people, although its figure is quickly recognized.

While the traditional Skull is often seen as a symbol of danger, aggression and even death, the Calavera Mexicana overflows with joy, art and even fashion trends, where we often see them stamped on Skull Rings, T-shirts, Sportswear, and beautiful tattoos.

We, who are glazed, crazy, obsessed with Skulls, did a deep research to answer this answer (one of our partners did an exchange in Mexico in college, so I already advance that we brought LOTS of new revelations for you that are not on the internet).

We know that symbologies are linked to time and culture, and due to several factors they are given new meaning. Mexico (where our Catrina comes from) is a country rich in legends, stories and tequila; therefore, we need to make two things clear! 1° It was not easy to find the true answer to what the Mexican Skull means. 2°, But we did it, and you will be really surprised- I guarantee-.

Origin of the Mexican Skull

Coming from Mexico, the Mexican Skulls had their first appearance in the work of José Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913), which was later resignified and popularized by Diego Rivera in his work “Sueno de una tarde dominical en la Alameda ”. With strong appeal on Dia de Los Muertos, which began to be celebrated in the 1920s on November 2, 20th century, on the Day of the Dead. This figure is here to stay, and we will now explain why:

Day of the Dead in Mexico

Death is always a surprise, however predictable it may be. You, dear reader, can do like the Spartans who stare death in front of their own eyes, in a cold and brutal way. Alternatively, you can do like the Mexicans, and laugh at her. The Mexican culture imagines death as a beautiful and comfortable throne, in a happy and colorful realm, full of vitality and free from mortal sins- regardless of their religious beliefs, it is in this “after death” that Mexicans faithfully believe-.

All this began with the Celebration of the Day of the Dead, a ritual inherited from the indigenous people, who in turn came from their ancestors Mayan and Aztec peoples. This celebration, which normally took place in August, was changed to late October/early November by the Spanish colonists, who were surprised by the indigenous rituals. The change took place on account of All Saints' Day, All Souls' Day and Catholic holidays, to "celebrate everything together". Officially, the celebration began on October 31st until November 2nd, because they believed that during this period the dead returned to earth to meet their relatives again.

The Emergence of the Calaveira Mexicana

At Feast of the Dead, it was customary for “traditionalist” families  to keep the Skulls of deceased loved ones, painting them with different colors and decorating them with flowers, because they believed that memories were kept there, and that way they could eternally have the energy and essence of that person.

It was believed that in this period, which began on October 31, the dead were received on earth by their families through altars built in their homes and cemeteries. The altars are decorated with many items that were liked by the deceased of the family (and his own Skull painted and decorated with flowers).Several strong aromas and candles were implemented, as they could help the dead to reach their altars, and consequently, to stay close to their families Photos of the deceased, portions of their favorite foods and drinks, children's toys and bedding. Even cleaning items such as soap, shampoo and shaving cream were part of the altar, in the belief that souls might be tired from their long journeys from heaven to earth, and might want to freshen up. Each family in their own way.

Altar of Mexico Dia de Los Muertos

Historically, this Mexican altar was divided into different levels (1 to 7), arranged as follows:

• Level 1) Division between Sun and Earth, with a flowery cross, and elements that represented nature;
• Level 2) Photographs of the deceased and their skull, or as sugar calaveras;
• Level 3) Foods and drinks that the person liked to eat;

The first three levels represented the Holy Trinity, on the part of Catholicism, but also the underworld, on the side of the Aztecs.

From the fourth to the seventh level, salt was usually exposed to purify the spirit, images of saints and flowers, which represented the seven deadly sins, or the seven steps to reach paradise.

It all depended on the family, there was no rule.

So this ritualistic belief began to spread, and the Celebration brought the Mexican Skull as the most powerful and representative symbol of the Mexican ritual.

So what is the meaning of the Mexican Skull?

The meaning of the Mexican Skull is the memory of the life you led, and the people you captivated. The colored skull symbol is to remember with happiness and joy the loved ones who were once physically on earth, and that we are all equal in the face of death. That's why many colors and flowers are used, to give joy and convey peace, that death is just a passage, and that if we do good on earth, we will find eternal paradise.

This is the 100% correct definition, according to the Mexican people and all the thoroughly reviewed literature on the culture.

And you who love Calaveras del Mexico, want to feel the essence and energy of this symbolism? We can help you, check it out:

 

Get to know the Cranio Mexicano concept now in Tattoos, Makeup and the famous Catrina:

Mexican Calavera Tattoo Concept

The Mexican Skull tattoo had its origins in the United States, and brings with it the concept of eternal life, and the homage to a deceased person. In addition to protecting against negative energies and evil spirits. People who tattoo the Mexican Skull want to assert their style, defend their values ​​(that we are all the same) and their history. But of course, they also want to put some color and joy on the skin, because that's what Calavera Mexicana Tattoo means.

Want to tattoo a Mexican Skull and still haven't decided on the professional? Take a look at Filipe Tonon's work:Tatuador: @filipe_tonon | @braviotattoo

Get to know the main types of Tattoos of Mexican Skulls and what they mean:

Female Mexican Skull Tattoo

Women who tattoo the Mexican Skull usually opt for a more delicate design, on the thighs or calves. There are also those who like to have it tattooed on their forearms, always with lots of flowers. The customers who most ask for this style of tattoo are bikers and rockers and goths. They usually opt for a more underground design, traced in black and gray.

Men's Mexican Skull Tattoo

Men really like to tattoo the Calavera Mexicana on their arms. While some prefer it more colorful, others keep their design darker. The bigger the better; commented with us a tattooist friend. The guys who tattoo Cranio the most are motorcyclists and rockers, especially those who participate in hardrock bands.

1 and 2 )Tattoo Artist: @mayaragodoy | 3 and 4) Tattoo Artist: @barbatattoomg

Mexican Skull with Rose

This Skull Tattoo with a Red Rose is the perfect representation of duality. The contrast between life and death. Greatness and decadence. There are those who also interpret it as a symbol of faith, love, roots and the mundane, material. The Skull with the Roses is a beautiful metaphor about the brevity of life and the eternity of the spirit.

1 and 2) Tattoo artist: @venceslau.santos | 3 and 4) Tattoo Artist: @barbatattoomg

 Without a doubt, it is the most sought after among girls. While some prefer delicate and doll, others are more daring and even tattoo celebrities and family members who have passed away in the Catrina version (which is the calavera woman).

Take a look at Catrina's Tattoos by renowned tattoo artists  Venceslau Santos and Mayara Godoy:

1 and 2) Tattoo artist: @mayaragodoy | 3 and 4) Tattoo Artist: @venceslau.santos

Who is Catrina?

Origin of Catrina

Art by José Guadalupe Posada, the beautiful image of Skull Woman formerly called the Calavera Guarbancera, conquered the world for its beauty, colors and originality. Its best known name, Catrina, and which “it became official”, was due to the resignification of the work of art made by Diego Rivera, the painter famous for being the husband of Frida Kahlo, one of the most prestigious painters in Mexico.

The Caveira Mexicana Catrina means the criticism against the governments of Benito Juarez, Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada and Portirio Diaz, the horrors of politics and the hypocrisy of Mexican society. They also say that the criticism was aimed at the most financially disadvantaged social class, who renounced their indigenous origins and liked to appear to be a European way of life. Hence, the luxurious gala clothes, and its appearance at high society dinners (as it was painted in the painting by Diego Rivera).

Actually, the message was as simple as possible: that we are all equal and that social differences are irrelevant in the face of death.

Very present in the fashion world (mainly among the rock stars), Catrina is painted in different colors and her cachola has been gaining more delicate images, or a little unusual, check it out:

Catrina Makeup: Step-by-step Makeup Tutorial 

 

Looking at this beautiful image above, you must be wondering “How to do a female Mexican skull makeup?”. Or “What do you need to do a mexican skull makeup?”.

Very used at Halloween parties, and obviously at Dia de Los Muertos Celebrations, Catrina's Makes are a huge success, especially among women 

To make the Cranio Mexicano at home is very easy and fast. Follow our tutorial and in 15 minutes at most you will be ready. Check it out:

1. Prepare your skin well and make it very pale in bone color, as shown in the photo above. The ideal is to apply a primer to fix the makeup and avoid oiliness and pores dilatation. Apply a very white foundation and wait for it to dry.
2. Next, take a black eyeliner and nose contour for a deep, gothic effect. The idea is to imitate the Skull of the Skull, and then color it.
3. Choose colored paints for the paint on your face. Remember that the more colors the better. You can draw flowers, red roses, dots around the face, or suit cards.
4. Attention to the mouth. Hydrate it and then apply a white concealer. Pull two lines from the corners of the lips and then create vertical lines. For a darker look, paint the lower part of the mouth black, it gives an incredible depth effect.

And now your Mexican Skull Makeup is ready! If you are a man and want to copy the tip, feel free, it will work the same.

And if you are a fan of this iconic figure, or know who loves Catrina, take a look:

Mexican Skull Currently

Today, the beautiful Calavera Mexicana has the same meaning: respect and memory for those who have passed away. The eternal remembrance of those who have been on earth, and that we are all equal internally and in the face of death. This has always been and always will be its biggest concept.

Colorful, with drawings, flowers (especially red roses), this skull conquered the population, and until today, stars in shows and ceremonies of the Dia de Los Muertos throughout the Mexican territory, where it is most popular in the cities of Aguas Calientes, Mexico City and Morelos.

Calaveras de Dulces and the Mexican ritual

Today the fun and comical Mexican ceremony is celebrated and represented by small Calaveras Dulces (Sugar Skulls), to adorn altars, serve as offerings and offer to the deceased, during super festive ceremonies (usually on November 2nd) . Originally from the Middle East, they went to Spain and the Spanish colonists who brought it to Mexico, where the tradition "took hold". Made of sugar with boiled water, lemon and many dyes, Mexican families register the name of loved ones in the Calaveras, or their own names, in order to save their place in the little paradise, as legend said in the old days.

Important to emphasize that this contemporary ritual has replaced the real Skulls. That's right. As we mentioned, many families kept the Skulls of close relatives, and painted them with different colors and decorated them with flowers, because it was believed that memories were kept there, and that way they could have that memory forever. person. As culture and time change, the Sugar and colorful Skulls stole the scene and are widely used today at Dia de Los Muertos festivals, and even at American Halloween parties, you know?

They are also made of chocolate, peanuts and other sweets. At the end of the day, the children and young people have the most fun, who enjoy themselves at the end of the festivals, with lots of laughs, so as not to miss the traditional Mexican custom.

Cool isn't it? Is that you? Want to honor a deceased person, or simply throw a rock'n'roll party? How about making the sugared calaveras yourself? We have exactly the Skull Shape you need to shape your sweets quickly and conveniently, check it out:

Unesco Intangible Heritage Dia de Los Muertos and Mexican Skull

Did you know that the term "cultural heritage" in UNESCO is not just limited to monuments or objects? Living expressions of culture or traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation are also included, and the Day of the Dead is no exception In 2008 UNESCO declared Dia de los Muertos to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity .

And so, dear reader who has followed us here. Did the concept of the Mexican Skull surprise you? Is there anything else you would like to add? Tell us and contribute by sharing (useful) information in the virtual world. It's worth sharing with the rock'n'roll guys huh?! If you have Mexican Skull tattoos, why not send them to us to see? We would love to post on our Instagram @caveiraroots.

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