Short and Sweet Sugar Skull History

Sugar skulls are more than just a pretty skull! Introducing, a very brief sugar skull history for today’s blogoween post. The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) originated in Mexico, going as far back as the 1630’s. It honors those that have passed away, celebrating those that have passed rather than mourning those that have passed. It is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. November 1st celebrates children and November 2nd celebrates adults. It is a time to pay your respects, remember the good moments and to celebrate the lives that were lived of those that passed.

Why Sugar Skulls

The most common symbol for The Day of the Dead is a skull (calavera). Sugar skulls could possibly represent the celebration of life and or those that have departed. The name of the recipient is placed on the forehead of the skull, which can be given in honor to the dead by placing it on an altar or at their gravesite. Sugar skulls can also be given to the living as a gift.

How Are Sugar Skulls Made

Sugar skull are made out of, you guessed it… sugar! A sugar clay, rather (check out this recipe on tbsp.). It is up to the individual as to how the sugar skull is decorated. Colorful icing, glitter, ribbons… the options are endless. Flower petals or flower-like swirls are typically painted along the prominent parts of the skull… head, cheeks and around the eye sockets.

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