According to National Geographic, La Catrina is the Aztec figure Mictecacihuatl, the death goddess of Chicunamictlan. Her role was to watch over the bones of the dead.
Why is La Catrina so important?
There is no mistaking her identity, La Catrina is 100% Mexican! She is a strong visual image depicting how the Mexican people see death and the afterlife. Different cultures have diverse traditions in regards to death and how they deal with it individually and as a family.
What does La Catrina represent in Day of the Dead?
This is La Calavera Catrina – the ‘elegant skull’ – often simply La Catrina. And however superficially festive it may appear, La Catrina’s presence throughout Mexico’s Day of the Dead mythology makes a much deeper statement of mortality, destiny and the societal divisions of class.
What is the history of La Catrina?
La Catrina was originally created by Jose Guadalupe Posada and later named and painted dressed up by Diego Rivera in one of his murals. It became an iconic figure in Mexican culture representing death and the way Mexicans face it.
What do Cempasuchil represent?
Marigolds. Often called “flowers of the dead,” cempasuchil, or flor de muerto, these bright orange and yellow flowers’ fragrance is said to attract souls to the altar. Their bright and cheery color also celebrate life instead of feeling bitter about death.
Who is Catrina in Mexican folk culture?
La Catrina — In Mexican folk culture, the Catarina, popularized by José Guadalupe Posada, is the skeleton of a high society woman and one of the most popular figures of the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico.
What are the characteristics of La Catrina?
“Catrina has come to symbolize not only El Día de los Muertos and the Mexican willingness to laugh at death itself, but originally catrina was an elegant or well-dressed woman, so it refers to rich people,” de la Torre said. “Death brings this neutralizing force; everyone is equal in the end.
Why is Marigold The flower of the dead?
Why Marigolds for Dia de los Muertos? It is believed that the spirits of the dead visit the living during the celebration. Marigolds guide the spirits to their altars using their vibrant colors and pungent scent. Marigolds, or flowers in general, also represent the fragility of life.
Is Día de los Muertos evil?
Because Day of the Dead, which takes place on November 2nd, follows Halloween, some people might conclude that Dia de los Muertos is an evil holiday in which Mexicans praise death. Couldn’t be further from reality, as we rejoice the lives of those we love and who are no longer on Earth.
What is the real name of La Catrina?
La Calavera Catrina (‘Dapper Skeleton’, ‘Elegant Skull’) or Catrina La Calavera Garbancera is a 1910–1913 zinc etching by the Mexican printmaker, cartoon illustrator and lithographer José Guadalupe Posada.
What is Flores de cempasúchil?
Cempasuchil. Photo: Getty Images. For centuries, Día de Muertos celebrations in Mexico have been characterized by the vibrant yellow and orange hues of the marigold flower, also known as cempasúchil. The flower is one of the most iconic symbols of the annual holiday that celebrates and honoring the dearly departed.
What does marigold symbolize?
Marigolds were often linked to the powerful strength of the sun and represent power, strength, and light that lives inside of a person. The marigold has also come to symbolize a feeling of despaired love. If someone has lost someone they love, whether it be by death or a broken relationship.
