The importance of sugar skulls on the Day of the Dead altar

To celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico, the altar is never complete without food, bread of the dead, and sugar skulls, essential elements to remember the faithful departed. But have you ever thought about what the sugar skulls mean? Origin of sugar skulls To understand the importance of sugar skulls, we must remember that this tradition originated in pre-Hispanic times, where death was seen as the culmination of a stage of life that led to another level, which is why they used the skulls of those sacrificed to the gods to adorn the “Tzompantli,” an altar that symbolized the transition from the earthly to the spiritual. Meaning of sugar skulls on the Day of the Dead altar The Tzompantli was an offering to the god of the underworld, Mictlatecuhtli, who ensured the passage of people to other levels once they completed their life cycle. However, with the arrival of the Spaniards and evangelization, these rituals were prohibited. To preserve customs, the skulls were replaced by sugar skulls and a Day of the Dead altar to honor and remember those who are no longer with us.What are sugar skulls made of? Sugar skulls are made from alfeñique, a mixture originally from Arabia but brought to Mexico by the Spaniards. Alfeñique is a type of candy derived from sugar cane, also made with egg, lemon juice, and a plant called chaucle, although now we can also find amaranto and chocolate skulls, among other ingredients Sugar skulls, among the aromas of copal, cempasúchil, and candles, adorn and brighten the altar that will welcome our faithful departed, which is why during this Day of the Dead season, they are a must-have in every home.