Dia de los Muertos

Started with the Aztecs BEFORE Spanish invasion, but they used REAL skulls. The Spaniards thought this was gross! So they exchange real skulls with skull made of either sugar paste, or, sometimes, clay. Sugar was much more accessible, so sugar was the natural choice.

Sugar skulls adorn households and tombs to honor the person who has passed away. Sometimes, along with sugar skulls, people would bring the favorite food and items of the deceased one.

Size would vary according to the age of the deceased. The deceased’s name might even be written on the forehead of the sugar skull. Glitter, ornaments, icing and ribbons would also be on the sugar skull.

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Sugar Skulls

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Influence Today

Today, you can see sugar skull designs everywhere - Fashion Design, Tattoos, Jewelry, and movies (Disney’s “Coco")

Click on the color wheel for ideas and inspirations!