The Mexican Day of the Dead is a celebration that takes place from October 31 to November 2. This holiday is a time for families to remember and honor their loved ones who have passed away. One of the most recognizable symbols of the Day of the Dead is the candy skull.
History
The tradition of making candy skulls dates back to the Aztecs, who made sugar skulls to honor their deceased loved ones. When the Spanish arrived in Mexico in the 16th century, they brought with them the Catholic tradition of All Souls' Day. The Aztec tradition and the Catholic tradition merged to form the Day of the Dead.
Making Candy Skulls
To make candy skulls, sugar and water are mixed together to form a paste. The paste is then molded into skull shapes and left to dry. Once the skulls are dry, they are decorated with brightly colored icing and other edible decorations.
Meaning Behind the Candy Skulls
The candy skulls are not meant to be morbid or scary. Instead, they are a celebration of the lives of the deceased. The skulls are often decorated with the name of the deceased person, and they are meant to be a reminder of the person's life and the love they shared with their family.
Other Day of the Dead Treats
In addition to candy skulls, there are many other traditional treats that are enjoyed during the Day of the Dead celebrations. Pan de Muertos is a type of sweet bread that is often decorated with bone-shaped pieces of dough. Calaveras de Azúcar are sugar skulls that are meant to be eaten. Atole is a hot drink made with masa (a type of corn flour), cinnamon, and sugar.
Conclusion
The Mexican Day of the Dead is a time for families to come together and celebrate the lives of their loved ones who have passed away. The candy skulls are just one of the many ways that this holiday is celebrated. By making and sharing candy skulls, families are able to honor their loved ones and keep their memories alive.
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