Dead On

Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, the Mexican holiday that falls on the first of November is rooted in rich culture, layered with ancient traditions. While the name suggests the macabre, it is a time of celebration for those Mexican regions that partake in the nearly four thousand year old ceremony honoring family and ancestors who have passed.

Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, the Mexican holiday that falls on the first of November is rooted in rich culture, layered with ancient traditions. While the name suggests the macabre, it is a time of celebration for those Mexican regions that partake in the nearly four thousand year old ceremony honoring family and ancestors who have passed.

 

The celebrations centers around about taking care in the physical world for those who have transitioned to the spirit world by making offerings of flowers and food, upkeep of grave sites with pillows and blankets, and of course, the most famous symbol of holiday, sugar skulls. These sweet candy skulls are specially created in bright and fantastic colors with fanciful embellishments. This is such an important holiday that in rural villages, people save two months income for the offerings.

 

 

Images courtsey of Yahoo Travel, Afar and Intltravel.com

 

Incorporating Day of the Dead into fashion choices can be done with slick homage. Like overdosing on the oranges and yellows of the chrysanthemum, the chosen flower of the celebration. Opt for an orange shawl by Indigare or a clutch by Emi Jorge. A caftan by Nude is Rude works on a beach holiday or belted at the waist, layered for fall with soft knits and leggings.

 

Take a more literal approach to flowers by layering on a few of these beaded strands by For the Love Of, featuring sweet flower beads in an array of colors or a orange flower passport holder by Chako.

 

This vibrant culture is full of symbolism so a clear reference to Mexico via a mini signet ring or a necklace featuring Mexican coins and iconography by Daniela Bustos Maya. Layering skulls is a fantastic choice, like a skull charm by Letters Couture or a bracelet by Vanities, even a chunky leather and skull keychain by Joli.

 

Last but never least, the iconic face and persona of Frida Kahlo is memorialized around the world. Carry home your Halloween haul in a Frida tote.