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Calavera

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For other uses, see Calaveras (disambiguation).
A sugar skull, a common gift for children and decoration for the Day of the Dead.

A calavera (Spanish – pronounced [kalaˈβeɾa] for "skull"), in the context of Day of the Dead, is a representation of a human skull or skeleton. The term is often applied to edible or decorative skulls made (usually with molds) from either sugar (called Alfeñiques) or clay, used in the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead (Template:Lang-es) and the Roman Catholic holiday All Souls' Day. Calavera can also refer to any artistic representations of skulls or skeletons, such as those in the prints of José Guadalupe Posada, or to gifts or treats in relation to the Day of the Dead. [1] Sone widely known calaveras are created with cane sugar, decorated with items such as colored foil, icing, beads, and sometimes objects such as feathers. They range in multiple colors.[2]

Traditional methods for producing calaveras have been in use since the 1630s.[3] The skulls are created either for children or as offerings to be placed on altars known as ofrendas ("offerings") for Día de Muertos, which has roots in the Aztec, Mayan, and Toltec cultural celebration of the "Day of the Dead".[4]

The tradition of sugar skulls is for families to decorate their loved ones' ofrendas with both large and small handmade sugar skulls.[5] Children who have died, represented by small sugar skulls, are celebrated on 1 November. The larger sugar skulls represent the adults, whose celebration takes place on 2 November. It is believed that the departed return home to enjoy the offering on the altar.[6]

In pre-Columbian times, the images of skulls and skeletons were shown often in art forms to represent rebirth into the next stage of life. During the 20th century, political caricaturist José Guadalupe Posada became famous for making calaveras as vain skeletons dressed in the clothing of the wealthy. The most famous one was Catrina, wearing a feathery hat, fancy shoes and a long dress. Catrina is considered to be the personification of the Day of the Dead.[4] These skeletons are created from many materials such as wood, sugar paste varieties, types of nuts, chocolate, etc. When used as offerings, the name of the deceased is written across the forehead of the skull on colored foil.

Production

Sugar skulls before decoration.

Traditional production methods have been in use since roughly the 15th century. The process involves using molds to cast the calaveras. Production can be a lengthy process: a craftsman will usually spend roughly four to six months producing the skulls for a season. Traditionally made sugar skulls are considered folk art and are not meant to be consumed.[3]

The production process is more focused on the aesthetic appeal of the skull than on the taste or food safety of the product. Furthermore, many calaveras feature inedible decorations, such as beads, feathers, and foil. Some skulls were formerly decorated with sombreros, although these designs have mostly disappeared since the 1970s.[3]

The calaveras are traditionally sold at outdoor market stalls beginning two weeks before the Day of the Dead.[citation needed]

Sugar skulls offered for sale in Mexico.
Large sugar skull offered for sale in Mexico.
"Calaveritas" (little skulls) made of chocolate and sugar for sale in Mexico.

Other calaveras are produced to be edible. Most are cast as one piece from cane sugar, which can either be left unflavored or else flavored with vanilla.[7] Some calaveras are also made from chocolate. The calaveras are typically colored with vegetable dyes. As with the more decorative calaveras, these will sometimes have names written on the foreheads, as well. Calaveras may be eaten, or kept for a few days and then thrown away.[citation needed]

Clay skulls

Clay toy variations of calaveras also resemble the shape of human skulls. These toys are often painted a metallic silver color, but they may also be found in colors such as white, black, and red. Beaded eyes of many colors may also be added for decoration.[citation needed]

Literary calaveras

Poetry written for the Day of the Dead are known as literary calaveras, and are intended to humorously criticize the living while reminding them of their mortality.[8][9] Literary calaveras appeared during the second half of the 19th century, when drawings critical of important politicians began to be published in the press. Living personalities were depicted as skeletons exhibiting recognizable traits, making them easily identifiable. Additionally, drawings of dead personalities often contained text elements providing details of the deaths of various individuals.

Face painting

Sometimes known as "sugar skull" make-up, or Catrina make-up, facepainting a skull with ornate elements is a popular element of Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico.[10][11]

See also

References

  1. ^ Cordova, Ruben C. (2005). "Calaveras". In Ilan Stavans, ed. in chief, and Harold Augenbraum, assoc. ed., Encyclopedia Latina: History, Culture, and Society in the United States. Danbury, Conn.: Grolier Academic Reference, 4 vols.: I: 248 – 249
  2. ^ About an José Guadalupe Mexicano Posada's Calavera Revolucionaria, Chicana and Chicano Space, archived from the original on 4 April 2008, retrieved 19 June 2018, Posada created many images of calaveras (skeletons) performing many different human activities. These images were/are used for the Day of The Dead celebrations in Mexico.
  3. ^ a b c "Day of the Dead ~ Frequently Asked Questions". www.mexicansugarskull.com. Reign Trading Co. Archived from the original on 19 June 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
  4. ^ a b Turim, Gayle (2 November 2012). "Day of the Dead Sweets and Treats — Hungry History". History TV. Archived from the original on 10 March 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
  5. ^ Chef, Katelyn (28 October 2016). "A Sweet History of Sugar Skulls on Day of the Dead". Martha Stewart. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
  6. ^ Gavrilova, Anabela (12 August 2013). "Sugar Skulls' status in popular culture: What is their meaning and where do they originate from?". Cruel Daze of Summer. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
  7. ^ Brandes, Stanley (8 January 2007). Skulls to the Living, Bread to the Dead: The Day of the Dead in Mexico and Beyond. Wiley-Blackwell. p. 43. ISBN 978-1-4051-5248-8.
  8. ^ Rangel, Sonia. "Calavera poetry reading slated for Nov. 1". Tejano Tribune. Archived from the original on 28 July 2009. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
  9. ^ Barradas, Francisco (1 November 2007). "Calaveras and Posadas". El Tecolote. Archived from the original on 19 November 2007. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
  10. ^ Devash, Meirav. "5 Things to Know Before Doing Dia de Los Muertos Makeup". Allure. Retrieved 2018-10-07.
  11. ^ Bachman, Stephanie. "The Origins of Sugar Skull Facepaint: Day of the Dead". Retrieved 2018-10-07.
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