We eat it every year, but where did this tradition come from?

  Day of the Dead bread is one of the reasons we eagerly await the arrival of November. This delicious sweet bread has become a hallmark of Day of the Dead celebrations, but the bread has not always been this way. Learn more about the origins of traditional Day of the Dead bread. Good morning! #dayofthedeadbread #dayofthedead #delicious A photo posted by Revista Tú México (@revistatumexico) on November 1, 2016 at 7:46 PDT During pre-Hispanic Mexico, rituals and human sacrifices were performed where the still-beating heart of a young woman was placed in a pot with amaranth seeds. The priest leading the ritual had the honor of biting the heart covered in amaranth as a thank you to the gods. The season for my favorite bread is approaching. #dayofthedeadbread #sugar #mexicantradition #cuernavaca #october A photo posted by Fernanda Argandar (@argandaramy) on September 27, 2016 at 6:52 PDT When the Spanish arrived in Mexico, they rejected such acts and replaced the human heart with bread made from wheat flour. To preserve some symbolic elements of the ancient pre-Hispanic rituals, the Spanish shaped the bread like a heart and covered it in red sugar. Although this is one of the most well-known explanations for the origin of Day of the Dead bread, there are other versions that trace back to the first inhabitants of Mesoamerica. Long before the arrival of the Spanish, the indigenous people shaped “alegrías” (yes, the amaranth candy) in the form of their gods. Symbolically, they sacrificed it and removed its heart. Later, they would share some pieces of the bread to share the goodness of the gods among the people. One of the perks of arriving at Doña Gina's house! 😃 #dayofthedeadbread #gordoforever A photo posted by Claudio Flores (@claudiofdl) on September 25, 2016 at 4:45 PDT Day of the Dead bread has evolved significantly to reach its current form. And while its meaning has also changed, there are some elements that still reference its origins. The circle at the top represents the skull or heart of the deceased, and the four droplets represent the bones. One of the perks of arriving at Doña Gina's house! 😃 #dayofthedeadbread #gordoforever A photo posted by Claudio Flores (@claudiofdl) on September 25, 2016 at 4:45 PDT It is true that this is the most recognized shape of Day of the Dead bread; however, there are more than 900 varieties. Depending on the region of the country and the deceased to whom it is dedicated, the bread can take various forms. In order to create a bread that celebrates the deceased, the shape of the bread varies: rabbits, sheep, horses, and even body parts, to reference the reason for their death. Now that you know more about the history of Day of the Dead bread, how do you want yours? Covered in sugar, sesame seeds, or filled with cream? With just one bite, it will win you over #DayoftheDeadBread #Montparnasse Individual $43 pesos (normal or sugar-free) 250 grams bread $165 normal and $175 sugar-free 3 pack $99 normal and $105 sugar-free. 👉 Prices subject to change without notice www.montparnasse.mx A photo posted by MontparnasseMx (@montparnasse_oficial) on September 24, 2016 at 6:18 PDT We recommend these recipes: Yolk Day of the Dead Bread Typical Mexican Day of the Dead Bread Oaxacan Day of the Dead Bread