Posts Tagged ‘skulls’

Day of the Dead Altars (Ofrendas)

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

Oct.30,2017

Day of the Dead Altars (Ofrendas)

Day of the Dead Altars

Day of the Dead is celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd. The celebrations include festivals, visit to grave sites, and preparing the altars or Ofrendas for lost loved ones. Ofrendas can be set up near graves or where the loved one actually died. They are also set up in the home where people believe the spirits will visit.

In Morelos, Mexico the altar is set up in a bedroom with chairs or a bed for the dead to rest on. The living then sleep on the front porch. This is not done out of fear but they want to make the dead comfortable. The altars filled with flowers, candles and much more. Below is a list of the items you would find.

Day of the Dead Altars

Candles…..one for each dead family member. Lighting the way the for the spirits.

Beeswax Candles

Skulls made of wood or sugar…..sometimes marked with the names of the dead family member.

Soap and Small towels….for the dead to wash

Water Jug…for drinking

Salt….a symbol of life

Incense

Bread…Pan de Muertos (Bread of the Dead) is a sweet egg bread and is flavored with cinnamon and anise seed (tastes like black licorice). The bread is then glazed with honey or sprinkled with red or pink sugar. The bread will sometimes be shaped like people or animals.

Pan de Muerto

Flowers…Marigolds (going back to the Aztecs) are used because they are the symbol of the harvest and they are also know as the flower of the dead. Their bright color and strong smell reminded the Aztecs of the sun. You can see the petals scattered from the graves to the home, like a path for the spirits to follow. These bright flowers are colorful enough for the spirits to see after living in so much darkness.

Marigolds….flowers of the Dead

Chocolates

Pictures of the loved ones that have past

Small toys or miscellaneous items the loved ones enjoyed

Coast Hwy Traders

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

Tags : altars, aztecs, Coast Hwy Traders, Day of the Dead, Dia de Los Muertos, flowers of the dead, graves, marigolds, Mexican Folk Art, Mexico, milagros, ofrendas, pan de muerto, saints, skeletons, skulls, sugar skull molds

La Catrina …. Flesh and Blood

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

La Catrina …. Flesh and Blood

Here in the United States on Halloween you can see ghosts, goblins, princesses and pirates. In Mexico the influence (possibly) of Halloween can be seen in the Day of the Dead celebrations and the many people who bring Jose Guadalupe Posada La Catrina to life.

Jose Guadalupe Posada La Catrina

In Mexico’s capital many celebrations of the Day of the Dead can be found. They highlight the color, local food, Mexican folk art and crafts of the city. The traditional La Catrina with the European style hat can be seen walking around the festivals in the flesh.

People use face paint to create in elaborate fashion La Catrina and the human skull. They use white paint as a base and then black is used to represent eye sockets, nose openings and teeth. Then colors and patterns are added like the decorations on the Day of the Dead sugar skulls. The paint can also extend to their bodies too.

Costumes are also added to the human version of La Catrina. You can see La Catrina as a bride, Frida Kahlo, or in various forms of Mexican traditional dress. These very real depictions of the La Catrina can be attributed to the Mexican culture views on death.

Death is apart of life and should be embraced. Vibrant colors, flowers, wedding veils add life and warmth to the human skeleton of La Catrina.

Coast Hwy Traders

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

Tags : cht, Coast Hwy Trader, Day of the Dead, Dia de Los Muertos, frida kahlo, halloween, human skull, jose guadalupe posada, la catrina, Mexican Folk Art, Mexican sugar skulls, Mexico, skeleton, skulls

La Catrina an Icon of the Day of the Dead

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

La Catrina and Icon of the Day of the Dead

La Calaveras Catrina by Jose Guadalupe Posada

Jose Guadalupe Posada created the lovely and timeless La Calaveras Catrina (The Catrina Skull) or just La Catrina. Posada was a Mexican revolutionary graphic artist in the late 19th-20th centuries. La Catrina has the European style ornate hat that was popular among the upper classes in the late 19th century. Many of the indigenous women of the time were so influenced by the European styles they started not wearing their traditional clothes and even wore makeup to make their skin look lighter. La Catrina was Posadas reminder to all that regardless of class or stature death equalizes everyone in the end.

La Catrinas made of paper mache at Coast Hwy Traders

The La Catrina is made from all kinds of materials including clay, wood, and paper mache (cartoneria). She is a prominent figure in Day of the Dead celebrations. She is featured in Day of the Dead altars, decorations, including large paper mache skeletons imitating the living.

Posada’s La Catrina has become the image of Death in Mexico and icon of the Day of the Dead celebrations.

La Catrina Statue

Wedding Day La Catrina

The Coast Hwy Traders Mascot…La Catrina

La Catrinas at Coast Hwy Traders

Coast Hwy Traders

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

Tags : altars, artisans of Mexico, cartoneria, cht, Coast Hwy Traders, Day of the Dead, death, icons, jose guadalupe posada, la calaveras catrina, la catrina, Mexican, Mexican Folk Art, Mexico, paper mache, skeletons, skulls, the catrina skull

Cacao Mexican Chocolate

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

Jan.26,2017

Cacao Mexican Chocolate

For 5000 years the Cacao bean has been in Mexico including cultures along the Yucatan like the Mayans.

A Spanish soldier who was part of the conquest of Mexico by Cortes tells that when Montezuma II, emperor of the Aztecs, dined, he took no other beverage than chocolate flavored with vanilla or other spices. His chocolate was whipped into a froth that dissolved in the mouth. No fewer than 60 portions each day reportedly may have been consumed by Moctezuma II.

Chocolate was introduced to Europe by the Spanish and it became a popular beverage by the mid-17th century. They didn’t use sugar in the recipe until the Europeans added it hundreds of years later.

Nowadays, Mexicans enjoy their hot cocoa as a nightly treat with sweetbreads (pan dulce) and during the Day of the Dead celebrations you can find all manner of Mexican chocolate in the shape of skeletons and skulls.

Coast Hwy Traders

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

Tags : aztecs, cacao beans, calacas, Coast Hwy Traders, Day of the Dead, Dia de Los Muertos, hot cocoa, mayans, mexican chocolate, Mexican pottery, Mexico, montezuma, pan dulce, skeletons, skulls, Spanish

Day of the Dead Altars and their Meanings

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

Oct.19,2015

Mexican Altars are used as a way to remember or honor a family member or loved one, a special saint, or a special time or remembrance. Altars have been apart of the Mexican culture since Cortez and his Spanish troops came to Mexico. The altars can be made from wood, paper or an old cigar box. They are colorful, inspirational, religious, or just plain fun.

Altars play a huge part in the Day of the Dead celebrations. As part of the Day of the Dead celebration it is believed that the dead are allowed to return to Earth. The altars are made to help guide the spirits of the dead to the homes of the loved ones. The sweet smell of flowers, the candle light and the colors of the altar all help to guide the spirit home!

That is why the altars are filled with brightly colored marigolds. Colorful decorations, like Papel Picados and blankets. Tons of food, sweets, and drinks are also laid out on the altars. The altars are also filled with incense and candles. Mementos of the deceased loved one is also placed on the altars. Like pictures, their favorite piece of clothing, their favorite foods etc. All these altars are true works of art!

Coast Hwy Traders has Day of the Dead candles, colorful papel picados, Day of the Dead statues, crafts and much more. Come in to a local small business and purchase all your “Real” Day of the Dead merchandise from artists and not Box Stores!!

Below is a great picture of the altar and the meanings behind each item…..

Coast Hwy Traders

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

Tags : artisans of Mexico, box stores, calacas, candles, catrinas, Day of the Dead, day of the dead altars, incense, marigolds, Mexico Traditions, papel picados, skeleton, skulls, spirits

Dia de los Muertos at Coast Hwy Traders

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

Oct.5,2015

Dia de Las Muertos will be here before we know it (November 1 st and 2nd). At Coast Hwy Traders we have created our famous Day of the Dead window. I like to have time to enjoy it. We will be posting much more about this holiday. Today I wanted to talk about how much wonderful merchandise we have at the store made by Mexican and American artists. Everyone is on the bandwagon now with Day of the Dead merchandise all made in China, like Ross,Cost Plus, Michael’s even Costco. I have been told that China sends people to Mexico to buy handmade merchandise to then copy and mass produce. I encourage you not to buy these items ! Buy the real thing!…at Coast Hwy Traders…

Bev

Coast Hwy Traders

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

Tags : artists, box stores, China, Coast Hwy Traders, Day of the Dead, Dia de Los Muertos, handmade, Mexico, skeletons, skulls, sugar skulls

How to make Nichos

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

Jul.6,2015

Nichos are basically shelves with sides that you put items in. Originally they were used in the Catholic church to put religious statues in. We have many niches at Coast Hwy Traders. The first two pictures are niches I made. Cigar boxes make good niches too! Just paint the box or shelf like I did. Put decorative paper for the background then place and glue items on the surface. Be a bit whimsical or satirical. Notice in the one box I put an ashtray surrounded by two skulls. We have had Nicho workshops at Coast Hwy Traders and if enough people want one, I am happy to do another workshop.

Coast Hwy Traders has little miniature skeletons, cats and dogs to help create your Nicho. Lotteria games are also great to cut up for background pics in your Nicho. Did you also know we have a craft section too!!

Bev

Nichos made by Bev

Nicho you can purchase at Coast Hwy Traders

Coast Hwy Traders

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

Tags : Catholic Church, cigar box, crafts, Lotteria, niches, Nichos, religious, satirical, skeletons, skulls, workshops

Day of the Dead Market at Coast Hwy Traders

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

Oct.4,2013

Day of the Dead market at Coast Hwy Traders

Saturday October 26th 2013

From 10am to 3pm

click here for directions to the store.

We will have two very talented local artists.

Mando Padilla is a colorful artist who’s passion for Dia de Los Muertos is reflected in his paintings.

“I love what Dia De Los Muertos symbolizes. These symbols sustain longevity through the artists

that honor the holiday”…Mando

“The colorful art from Mexico is part of my art’s DNA.”

Mando Padilla lives in Escondido California with his wife and two sons. whom he sites as

his biggest inspiration. His first successful art exhibit was held at the Escondido Arts Municipal Gallery

for the month of July 2013. The event was organized by his wife with help from family and friends.

Influences include Clive Barker (both as a writer and an artist),

H.R. Giger, Frida Kahlo, Keith Haring & Stanley Kubrick .

His Thoughts on Dia De Los Muertos.

“To me, every day is Dia De Los Muertos. When we remember a loved one who passed away,

that is their day. In a way, Birthday parties are like Dia De Los Muertos celebrations

because you get showered with gifts and surround yourself with your favorite things.

Loved ones enjoy them “with” you. “…Mando

We will also have a very talented jewelry artist.

ChulaMaiz Jewelry

Her jewelry is inspired by the colors of nature, culture, and life.

ChulaMaiz is a play on words, the name ChulaMaiz was created from playing with the catchy name of a

Mexican corn snack, churritos, named Churrumais and combining two words that identify the collection.

Chula meaning charming, cute and beautiful and Maiz, corn, as a symbol representing

culture and roots. The words together create a line of jewelry and accessories

that are unique, bold and fun

Tags : artists, ChulaMaiz, Day of the Dead, day of the dead jewelry, day of the dead painting, Dia de Los Muertos, jewelry artist, Maiz, market, skeletons, skulls

How to Make Sugar Skulls for Day of the Dead

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

The spirit of Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is that we honor our loved ones that have passed, but we are not afraid of death and we honor life by living it. That is why you will see people dress up in skull masks (calacas) and spend days cleaning and decorating the graves of families members and prepare amazing altars to welcome their dead loved ones.

Sugar Skulls are a large part of the Day of the Dead altars and celebrations. In Mexico families spend most of October preparing their sugar skulls that they will use to adorn their altars (oferendas) and grave sites. These sugar skulls are beautifully decorated and are all made by hand. They represent the loved ones that have passed while honoring their life. That is why they are decorated with brightly colored icing, foil and feathers. They are not morbid or scary but more of a reminder that death is apart of life and that life is beautiful and fun and meant to be lived.

How to Make Sugar Skulls

Ingredients: (for a 5 pound bag of granulated sugar)

A 5 pound bag of granulated sugar

1/4 cup of Meringue powder

10 teaspoons of water

Mix the meringue powder and sugar together and then add your water.

Fill your sugar skull molds with sugar mixture

Then turn out on cardboard and let them sit overnight.

Then decorate with icing, foil and feathers.

This recipe will yield 5 large sugar skulls or 20 medium skulls or

100 mini skulls

Coast Hwy Traders has all you need to make your sugar skulls.

Including different styles of sugar skull molds and we also have chocolate molds!

And if you do not have time to make your own sugar skulls Coast Hwy Traders will have pre-made sugar skulls direct from Mexico at the store after October 10th 2013. But hurry they sell quickly!!!

email me at [email protected] or call me at 760-944-1381

for any questions with making your Day of the Dead Sugar Skulls

Be Sure to Visit our Online store on Pinterest!!

Tags : altars, calacas, chocolate molds, Day of the Dead, Day of the Dead merchandise, Dia de Los Muertos, graves, meringue powder, Mexico, oferendas, skulls, sugar, sugar skulls

Mexican Altar Workshop at Coast Hwy Traders

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

Mexican Altars are used as a way to remember or honor a family member or loved one, a special saint, or a special time or remembrance. Altars have been apart of the Mexican culture since Cortez and his Spanish troops came to Mexico. The altars can be made from wood, paper or an old cigar box. They are colorful, inspirational, religious, or just plain fun.

Day of the Dead Altar

Altars play a huge part in the Day of the Dead celebrations. Beautiful altars are constructed to honor and welcome the spirits of the loved ones who have passed away. They are filled with brightly colored marigolds which are said to attract the spirits. Tons of food, sweets, and drinks are also laid out on the altars. The altars are filled with incense, candles, and mementos. All these altars are true works of art!

At Coast Hwy Traders we are offering a Mexican Altar workshop.

We will show you how to make your very own altar for Day of the Dead.

The Altar Workshop will be on….

Sunday, October 13th from 11am until 3pm

at Coast Hwy Traders

Fee $7.00

Coast Hwy Traders will supply you the altar and some fun supplies. Just bring pictures and goodies to use on your altar. Of course we will have items for your altar for sale in the store. Helping you and also making altars will be owner Bev Goodman,our own Rosey Daley and local artist Donna Butnik.

To Sign up e-mail Bev at [email protected]

Tags : altar workshop, Coast Hwy Traders, Day of the Dead, Dia de Los Muertos, marigolds, Mexican altar, saints, skeletons, skulls