Dia de los Muertos

Note: this article is presented for entertainment purposes. The beliefs within are genuinely held by some people, but the writer of this piece neither endorses them nor discredits them.

Dia de los Muertos- Day of the Dead.2016 ©Lori L. Simpson
With much credit and thanks tomexicansugarskull.com

The Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos is not as scary as it may sound.
It is a Mexican holiday which has also spread into parts of  the United States due to Mexican-Americans and Mexican Immigrants sharing their culture

According to tradition, the gates of heaven open at midnight on October 31. All souls of deceased children are allowed to visit their families.Adult spirits are said to revisit their relatives on November 2.

But these ethereal guests are welcomed, not feared. It is believed happy spirits will bless living family members with protection, wisdom, and good luck.

Beautiful altars are set up in homes. The altars are covered with flowers, special mementos, gifts, and food and drinks for the heavenly guests.

One of the most iconic offerings is a sugar skull. The idea of crafting molded sugar church decorations was brought to Mexico by 17th century Italian Catholic Priests.

Down through the years, some Mexicans invented candy sugar skulls for their Day of the Dead celebration.

These sugar skulls aren't usually grim! They are brightly iced and decorated molded candies.  Large ones are left out for adult spirits, and smaller ones are dedicated to the angelitos- child souls.But, humans like to look at them- and eat them- too.