"Sugar Skull" by Weezilou

"Sugar Skull"

That was the new term I learned today! When Ron said he was looking for some small ones for a friend's children, I thought we were in search for something akin to the Panorama Easter eggs made from sugar. No... Mexico has a tradition of celebrating Dia de los Muertos which is "Day of the Dead" This kiosk had every sort of skull, all colorfully decorated.

To save the flavor of a group of them displayed together, I shot a photo and, OMG, what a moment we missed while standing there! I can fully envision Ron going back to buy it! See the shirt he's wearing? Wait til you see what's in my photo! I'll post it next...
I learned something today, I had never heard the Mexican skulls referred to as "sugar skulls", they have such an interesting history!
April 19th, 2017  
I did not know the term, either. :-)
April 19th, 2017  
I have heard of the "Day of the Dead" but didn't know they went in for these colourful skulls. Love Ron's shirt!
April 19th, 2017  
What a great shot, Louise.. I remember being next to you guys when you saw these, but I surely missed you taking this photo. What was I thinking? Who knows. These "lovely" little items are in the Mexican supermarkets here in town too.
April 19th, 2017  
Oh yikes, never seen anything like this. Are they chocolate?
April 20th, 2017  
Oh no-o-o-o...ceramic so they'll last and your friends can admire them as home decor... It's a "Mexican Culture" thing... I live here and I don't understand, so good luck sorting this craze out! Ron got some little ones at the request of a friend who wanted some for his children (???!!!)
April 20th, 2017  
For those interested (and who have nothing better to do), here's a little blurb about sugar skulls. Of course these are not made of sugar, as the ceramic ones seem to be gaining ground over those that really are made of sugar.
"Mexico, abundant in sugar production and too poor to buy fancy imported European church decorations, learned quickly from the friars how to make sugar art for their religious festivals. Clay molded sugar figures of angels, sheep and sugar skulls go back to the Colonial Period 18th century. Sugar skulls represented a departed soul, had the name written on the forehead and was placed on the home ofrenda or gravestone to honor the return of a particular spirit. Sugar skull art reflects the folk art style of big happy smiles, colorful icing and sparkly tin and glittery adornments. Sugar skulls are labor intensive and made in very small batches in the homes of sugar skull makers. These wonderful artisans are disappearing as fabricated and imported candy skulls take their place."
April 20th, 2017  
@louannwarren @laurieewilson @pamknowler @aglennc @golftragic @stray_shooter We have Ron here to thank for explaining all this! Fascinating, Ron! I was, indeed, on the right track when I thought of the Panorama Easter Eggs made of sugar, and years ago, I did actually take a class and learned to make those! I wouldn't be surprised, today, to find someone teaching the art of making "sugar skulls" as it would basically be the same then! Hugely interesting! Thanks!
April 20th, 2017  
@stray_shooter @Weezilou thanks for the info! Strange but very interesting!
April 20th, 2017  
@stray_shooter @Weezilou Thanks for the explanation, very interesting.
April 20th, 2017  
Super interesting @stray_shooter @Weezilou I have only seen the ceramic skulls, would be amazing to find sugar ones! Thanks, guys, there's so much more to 365 than just photos.
April 20th, 2017  
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