What does the bread of the dead mean?

The pan de muerto is essential in our altars on November 1st and 2nd, as it holds great significance, an ancient origin, and an exquisite flavor. Today, there are many versions of this fluffy bread: with ashes, with colored sugar, stuffed, and even glazed. No matter what your favorite is, remember to place a pan de muerto on your Día de Muertos altar and enjoy another one with your family. At kiwilimón, we tell you everything you need to know about this traditional Mexican bread, and also remember that we have the best recipes to prepare pan de muerto for the family or to start your business.  The True Origin of Pan de Muerto According to the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples, one of the main antecedents of what we now know as pan de muerto is a bread called papalotlaxcalli, a butterfly-shaped bread that was only consumed during the ceremony of the same name. In those years, this bread resembled a tortilla and used a butterfly-shaped seal. However, the closest to the current bread was the huitlatamalli, a type of tamale. Another possible antecedent of the pan de muerto comes from the offerings made for the dead organized by pre-Hispanic cultures, where offerings were placed for the goddess Cihuapipiltin. The gifts placed on this altar mainly consisted of butterfly or lightning-shaped breads, which were made from amaranth. Bernardino de Sahagún also described a bread called yotlaxcalli, which was made with dry corn and without lime.  On the other hand, experts point out that Fray Diego de Durán also described breads and other sweets that remind us of the current pan de muerto. According to the missionary, when pre-Hispanic towns made offerings for the god Huitzilopochtli, people prepared bones made from amaranth and honey for the occasion. They also prepared small tortillas for the celebration.  You can also read: 5 recipes for stuffed pan de muertoWhat Does Pan de Muerto Mean? According to experts, the traditional pan de muerto is shaped like a mound of earth, which covers the coffin. In the case of the small ball of bread placed in the center, it symbolizes the skull of the deceased, while the strips of bread placed on the sides represent the bones of the arms and legs.  Additionally, other versions suggest that the shape of the bread symbolizes the cycle of life and death, while the four strips of bread represent the four cardinal points or the tears of the families of the deceased. On the other hand, other versions about the origin of this iconic bread point out that the bones are actually decorations or flower petals. However, there are many other versions that adorn the traditional altars of Día de Muertos.  It is worth mentioning that the classic pan de muerto is usually sprinkled with white sugar, but in the case of those sprinkled with red sugar, it recalls the ancient pre-Hispanic burials, as the dead were covered with red powder. You can also read: Michipan de MuertoTypes of Pan de Muerto In addition to the pan de muerto consumed in most of the country, there is a wide variety of bread for this celebration. Here we tell you more about these delicious breads.  Mixquic, Mexico City San Andrés Míxquic  is one of seven indigenous towns located in the Tláhuac borough, which has gained worldwide fame thanks to its Día de Muertos celebration. In this locality, pan de muerto is called despeinadas. These are small doughnuts sprinkled with pink sugar, although it is also common to find bread in the shape of a butterfly, as it was believed that when girls died, they turned into little butterflies.  State of Mexico The State of Mexico offers a wide selection of pan de muerto. Here we tell you more about them.  In some parts of the state, the so-called muertes are baked, a bread made with egg yolk and shaped like a rabbit and lamb. On the other hand, there are also the pan sobado, the triconio, the gorditas of broken corn, and the tlaxcales.  In Texcoco, the rabbit bread is prepared, which is made with nuts, guava, cinnamon, and lard. While skulls made of cookie dough with decorations made with coarse sugar are also sold.  Oaxaca Oaxaca, one of the most important culinary capitals of the country, offers regañadas, bread made with puff pastry, which is placed on the altars and symbolizes the souls of the deceased. Another option is the famous yolk bread, which represents the faces of the deceased. Guerrero This state also offers us a wide variety of pan de muerto. According to experts, breads called camarones, amargosas, and tortas are placed on the altars, although it is also common to find bread shaped like dolls or figures, which is sprinkled with pink sugar.  In other towns, offerings include souls, donkeys, rabbits, mule legs, and embroidered bread, as well as bread in the shape of triangles and others in the shape of fish, dogs, butterflies, scorpions, and rabbits, among others.  You can also read: Pan de Muerto CookiesMichoacán The state of Michoacán is also known worldwide for its Día de Muertos celebration, so its pan de muerto is no exception. Here you can find offering bread and other breads shaped like virgins, rabbits, donkeys, peasants, hats, and peasant women, as well as bread shaped like flowers and skulls, which are adorned with the name of the deceased.  On the other hand, the rosqueta bread is prepared with banana leaves, anise, and piloncillo, while it is also common to enjoy the classic corundas during these dates. The bread called the knee of Christ is also common, a round bread decorated with pink sugar, which represents the wounds of Jesus.  Puebla In this state, you can find the golletes, doughnuts decorated with colored sugar, and the sequillos, a yellow mamón.