13 Day of the Dead Symbols and Meanings to Help You Understand the Holiday
Want to know about the day of the dead meaning and symbols?
I’m here to help, and you’re in the right place. I’ve been living in Mexico since 2018, and have attended Mexico Day of the Dead celebrations in several cities.
As one of the most fascinating Mexican holidays, I did a deep dive into the Day of the Dead symbols so that I’d best understand this complex holiday — and I’m sharing all that info with you in this article.
There are so many Dia de los Muertos symbols, and we’re going to examine 11 of them here, including calavera sugar skulls, marigold flowers (cempasuchil) and the typical Day of the Dead colors.
Ready to discover the most famous Day of the Dead symbols and meanings? Let’s get to it!
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
1. Day of the Dead Cemeteries
The cemeteries are among the most photogenic symbols of Mexico Day of the Dead celebrations, and you’ve probably seen them in IG photos, YouTube video, and TikToks.
⚠️ Note: Not every family is OK with photos. As a best practice, always ask permission before you take any photo that has a person in it, and avoid having any children in your Day of Dead images.
During Día de Muertos in Mexico, family members will gather in the cemetery at the grave of their loved one to clean and decorate it. They want the space nice and tidy (and welcome) for when their loved one returns.
Though Day of the Dead is on November 2nd, many families begin decorating gravestones in the cemetery October 31st.
It is said the soul return at midnight on November 1st, so the gravesite must be in order the day before.
If you’re celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico, try arrive early to see this, especially if you’re into travel photography. The largest cemeteries in town tend to have the most and best decor.
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
2. Day of the Dead Sugar Skulls
Before we get to the sugar skulls, you might want to know about the Day of the Dead skull meaning in general. Quite simply, the skull represents death, and the skeleton shows that we’re all the same on the inside.
Now onto the sugar skull symbols and meanings…
One of the icons of this holiday is the Day of the Dead sugar skull. Ironically enough, these confectionery treats don’t really have Mexican (or even pre-Hispanic) roots, and come from Europe.
Italian Catholic missionaries brought sugar art to Mexico in the 1600s.
Unlike Europe, Mexico is abundant in sugar and sugarcane, so it became a natural place for these molded sugar figures to take root and form their own traditions.
Small sugar skulls vs large sugar skulls
During Día de Muertos, sugar skulls will be made in two sizes — large and small. While the sugar skulls meaning the same for each, the larger and smaller skulls can be used differently.
The small, bite-sized sugar skulls can be eaten. You’ll also see them used for an in-home ofrenda as a family altar decoration. They can be taken home, and make for one of the best Mexico souvenirs.
The larger ones represent a departed person, and that person’s name is written on the forehead of the skull. They can be in honor and remembrance of the departed children or of an adult.
You’ll usually see these more elaborate, larger sugar skulls placed on an ofrenda or gravestone for that person’s returning spirit.
These larger sugar skulls are not meant to be eaten, as they’re part of the atmospheric vigils.
Mexican sugar skull meaning
The meaning behind meaning behind sugar skulls (AKA candy skulls or, calavera de azucar in Spanish) is actually quite literal. It represents a departed person.
Unlike other representations of a skull or skeleton which appear somber with dark colors, sugar skulls have bright colors. This is because Mexicans see death as a part of life to be celebrated like all other parts.
HOW ARE SUGAR SKULLS MADE?
Sugar skulls are made from a paste called alfeñique. This is a mixture of sugar, hot water, ground nuts, honey, lemon juice and other ingredients that combine to make a moldable paste, which will then become a skull.
The Day of the Dead skull designs are then painted by hand when made in small production. In fact, painting your sugar skill is one of the most fun Day of the Dead rituals.
Of course, now that they are popular all over the world, you might not get a hand-painted one outside of Mexico — but you can always make your own!
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
3. Marigold Flowers
The marigold flower, or cempasuchil (pronounced sem-pah-sue-chill), has been a part of this celebration dating back to its Aztec origins.
Throughout Mexico, marigolds are often called flor de los muertos (flower of the dead) because of their close associations with Day of the Dead.
According to Aztecs beliefs, the flower’s bright color and strong scent served a sensory guide for the spirits. They believed the marigold flowers let our departed know exactly where they should return to meet us.
Nowadays, no Day of the Dead ofrenda (altar) is complete without some cempasuchil flowers on it. These flowers are part of any quintessential Day of the Dead motifs and decorations.
You’ll see marigolds and terciopelo rojo flowers (cockscomb) all over Mexican cities that have large-scale celebrations — on restaurant tables and as elaborate floral archways outside shops.
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
4. La Catrina: Day of the Dead Skeleton Woman
Besides Frida Kahlo, La Catrina might be the woman most commonly associated with Mexico. She is one of the official Day of the Dead icons.
This elegant skeletal lady, who everyone paints their faces to look like, was born in 1910 when Mexican printmaker/illustrator José Guadalupe Posada first drew her.
He named this figure, La Calavera Garbancera (The Elegant Skull), and she was drawn as satirical social commentary.
His dapper woman with her fancy feathered-hat was a critique of Mexican society at the time, when many Mexicans were aspiring to dress and act more European.
Posada saw this as a snub to the more humble, and traditional style of Mexican dress.
He created his Calavera Garbancera character as a skeleton who would serve as a reminder that we all eventually die one day — whether we’re wearing fancy clothing or not.
History of La Catrina, Day of the Dead Icon
La Catrina’s transition into the official grand dame of Day of the Dead came after Mexican artist Diego Rivera (Frida’s husband) painted her with a full-body and Victorian dress.
Using a similar face, he took Posada’s La Calavera Garbancera and created who would become known as La Catrina.
Rivera’s 50-foot-long (15 m) painting, Sueño de una tarde dominical en la Alameda Central (Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Central Park), is the first-ever depiction of La Catrina.
🎨 Want to see the painting in real life? You’ll need to head to Downtown Mexico City, to the Diego Rivera Mural Museum, one of the best museums in Mexico City.
She is placed in the dead center of the painting (pun intended), with Rivera painted as a boy by her side. Just behind them, you’ll see Frida Kahlo, who was Diego Rivera’s wife.
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
5. Comparsas or Muerteadas (Day of the Dead Parades)
You’ll hear a comparsa (parade) long before you see it coming. This is great because it gives you time to find it, and then join in with the procession as it passes through the streets
🥁 Note: You may see the word muerteadas used instead of compara, but both words mean parade.
During a comparsa or muerteada, multi-instrument groups of costumed musicians join together to play festive music in the streets. There might also be elaborate floats and large crowds to accompany them.
Anyone can join in at any part along the route, so if you’re looking for an immersive experience, this is where the 2-D Day of the Dead imagery comes to life.
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
6. Ofrendas (Day of the Dead Altars)
Just walking the streets and alleyways in Mexican cities decorated for the holiday, you’ll see numerous public ofrendas (altars).
They’re decorated with marigold flowers, candles, copal incense and papel picado colorful paper flags. You’ll also see photos of their loved ones, and whatever food and drink they’d want to consume on their arrival.
They say when the dead return they will be hungry and thirsty from the journey, so we have to prepare accordingly.
🕯️ Some things you may see on a Dia de Muertos Altar
The symbols of Dia de los Muertos are plentiful, and personal.
While you can place anything on a Day of the Dead ofrenda that you like, here are some of the most common items you’ll see on altars in Mexico:
- Candles to light the way back for the departed
- Marigold flowers, and/or coxcomb flowers or chrysanthemums
- Photos of deceased loved ones
- Personal items the departed held dear
- Sugar skulls or ceramic calavera skulls
- Copal incense to purify the area and scare away any bad souls
- Papel picado, the brightly colored paper banners or tissue paper with cut-out designs
- Glass of water for thirsty souls to drink when they return
- Bottles of tequila, mezcal or beer, depending on their drink preference
- Plates of food with their favorite foods, especially fresh produce
- Pan de muerto, the bread for Day of the Dead, and one of the most iconic Day of the Dead foods
- Salt in the form of a cross, which represents the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, west), or the four elements (earth, air, fire, water)
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
7. Day of the Dead Sand Tapestries
In front of some ofrendas and along some streets, you’ll find colorful and intricate tapetes de arena (sand tapestries).
If you’re very lucky, you’ll even see an artist making one.
It’s amazing to see these Day of the Dead patterns come to life with skeletal people, elaborate flowers, or monarch butterflies (another Day of the Dead symbol).
The tradition of sand art plays into the deeper meaning of Day of the Dead, that all things eventually blow away in the wind, or die.
For this reason, you’ll also see ground art made of other natural materials the wind can carry away, like marigold flower petals and even beans.
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
8. Pan de Muerto (Day of the Dead Bread)
Pan de muerto (bread of the dead) is a type of bread roll or pastry that’s traditionally only made from about mid-September to mid-November for Day of the Dead.
It is most peoples’ favorite food associated with the holiday, and the pan de muerto recipe and preparation can vary.
In many parts of Mexico, the pan de muerto dough has a cross shape on the top of the roll, and it’s topped with sugar — similar to a hot cross bun. However, there are various types of pan de muerto in Mexico.
To sample some, head to a panaderia (bakery), or the local markets.
☕️ Mexico Travel Tips: Many people enjoy their pan de muerto dipped in a cup of hot chocolate, one of the most delicious Mexican drinks.
Different types of pan de muerto in mexico
Depending on where you are, the pan de muerto will look different. There are actually several types of pan de muerto in Mexico.
In Oaxaca, unlike many other places in the rest of Mexico, there’s a small candy face placed in the center of the bread. This is said to represent a departed soul.
During the festivities for Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, you’ll see street vendors selling this type of pan de muerto.
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
9. Alebrijes (Day of the Dead Art)
Alebrijes (pronounced al-lay-bree-hays) haven’t been part of Day of the Dead for very long, but have made their way into contemporary celebrations.
In fact, they’re now the most famous Day of the Dead art. They’re also the most famous Oaxaca art, and among the best Mexican folk art.
These creatures have even found their way into the international spotlight. You may be familiar with Dante and Pepita, the two alebrijes from the Pixar movie Coco — the most famous Day of the Dead movie ever made.
History of Mexican Alebrijes
Paper mache alebrije sculptures were first made by Mexican artist Pedro Linares, in Mexico City.
The story goes that at age 30, the artist suffered an illness which left him bedridden in pain, and having fever dreams at night.
One night, he saw a chimera hybrid animal that kept saying the word “alebrijes,” which is a nonexistent word. Linares said this hybrid animal served as a spirit guide through his frightening, vivid dreams.
He made an artistic representation of his colorful spirit guide using papier-mâché, and the first alebrijes were born. However, these aren’t the famous Oaxaca alebrijes most people know today.
History of Oaxacan Alebrijes
The most famous alebrijes seen today are made from copal wood, and come from one of three pueblos in Oaxaca state — San Martín Tilcajete, La Union Tejalapam and/or San Antonio Arrazola.
Of these, many people consider the town of San Antonio Arrazola Oaxaca, located near Oaxaca City, as the birthplace of alebrijes from Oaxaca Mexico.
Mexican woodcarver, sculptor and painter, Manuel Jiménez Ramírez is credited with the invention of the Oaxacan alebrijes we know today.
He was born in the pueblo of San Antonio Arrazola, and used the local copal wood to make his artistic creations. Today, this small village is one of the most popular Oaxaca artisan towns.
For more info on Oaxacan alebrijes, check out this article — What Are Alebrijes: A Guide to Oaxaca’s Colorful Art. There’s also this great National Geographic feature about Mexico alebrijes.
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
10. Day of the Dead Colors
Wondering, What colors represent Day of the Dead?
Three of the most iconic colors of the Day of the Dead are orange, yellow and red (magenta). These colors are most often seen in Day of the Dead flowers, like marigolds and coxcombs.
🟠 Orange: Said to be the only color the souls can see, and will help them find their way back Earthside
🟡 Yellow: Represents light, a candle’s flame, and elders who have departed
🔴 Red/Magenta: Can represent blood, the Blood of Christ, soldiers who died in battle, and mothers lost in childbirth
Yellow and orange are the most iconic colors of the holiday, and the one you’ll see most because they’re the colors of marigold flowers, known as flores de muerto in Spanish, which means “flowers of the dead.”
These flores de cempasúchil (marigolds) decorate altars, entryways, gravestones and more. During Mexican Day of the Dead festivals, you’ll see the petals of these orange marigold flowers everywhere.
According to pre-hispanic lore, their bright orange or yellow color, and this flower’s strong smell helped direct the souls to return to Earth.
Additional Colors of Day of the Dead
🟣 Purple: A traditionally regal color, in Christian beliefs this color has been used to symbolize the death of Jesus, grief, and loss of a family member
🔵 Blue: The color of water, which the thirsty souls will need to drink when they return, or a person who died in water
🩷 Pink: Joy and happiness
🟢 Green: Children or adolescents who died at a young age
🤍 White: Purity, hope and babies who died
⚫️ Black: Can represents death in general, or Mictlan (the Land of the Dead in pre-hispanic traditions)
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
11. Mojigangas (Giant Puppets)
Mojigangas (pronounced moe-he-gawn-gahs) come from Spain, but were brought to Mexico in the 1600s.
They are about 15-feet-tall (4.5 m), and a part of many celebrations in Central Mexico, especially festivals in Oaxaca and weddings in San Miguel de Allende. You’ll likely see some mojigangas during Day of the Dead.
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
12. Xolos (Mexican Hairless Dogs)
Wondering about Day of the Dead animals? The xolo Mexican hairless dog 🐾 and monarch butterfly 🦋 (which is up next on the list) are two of them.
The national dog of Mexico is the called the xoloitzcuintli (pronounced show-low-squink-lay). They are called xolos (pronounced show-lows) for short — probably because the Aztec word xoloitzcuintli isn’t easy to pronounce!
These dogs are bark-less, hairless, and come in small, medium and large sizes.
They are sacred to the Aztecs, and said to deliver souls to the underworld. The Aztecs regarded xolos as the Earthly representative of their god of fire and lightning, Xolotl.
You may recognize the Mexican hairless dog from the movie Coco, the most famous movie about Day of the Dead ever made! Miguel’s beloved pet and companion, Dante, was a xolo dog.
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
13. Monarch Butterflies
Did you you know one of the largest insect migrations on Earth takes part in Mexico?
That’s right, the annual North American monarch butterfly migration sees millions of butterflies arriving to Mexico each year.
Each year, monarch butterflies make an epic 2,500- to 3,000-mile-journey (4,000-4,800 km) from Canada and the USA all the way to Central Mexico.
The first monarch butterflies arrive in Mexico around November 1st or 2nd, which coincides exactly with the Day of the Dead holiday.
For this reason, many Mexicans say monarchs carry the souls of the departed. Monarch butterflies are a common Day of the Dead symbol, and you’ll see them on altars and in Día de Muertos art.
Day of the Dead Symbols, Customs & History: FAQ
What is Day of the Dead?
Wondering, What is Dia de los Muertos? The first thing you need to know about Day of the Dead — it is not Mexican Halloween. Day of the Dead is, however, one of the best Mexican holidays that celebrates our departed.
There are vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations throughout Mexico as Day of the Dead is one of the most important holiday celebrations in Mexico, and one of the best times to visit.
Unlike many present-day rituals around death, Day of the Dead is not a somber funerary event.
On the contrary, Oaxaca Dia de Muertos is a celebration, one so grand even our deceased loved ones return to attend the party held in their honor.
As this is a cultural celebration, booking a tour with a Oaxaca City local is the best way to truly appreciate all of Oaxaca’s celebrations.
However, even on days you don’t have a tour booked, you can just walk around Centro Historico (Downtown) and take in the visual magic that is Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca City.
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
A Brief History of Dia de los Muertos
The holiday’s origins date back to the Aztec celebration of the goddess Mictecacihuatl, their Queen of the Underworld.
Much like the current incarnation of Day of the Dead, the Aztec festival was a celebratory affair — as is the Mayan Day of the Dead festival called Hanal Pixan.
After Mexican colonization by the Spanish, who brought with them Christianity, the festival was moved from early-summer to fall.
Its new dates coincided with what Christians called Allhallowtide, another multi-day holiday commemorating the deceased.
Allhallowtide took place on October 31-November 2. The first day, October 31, was known as All Saints Eve; November 1 was All Saints Day; and November 2 was All Souls Day.
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
When is Day of the Dead?
Though it’s called “Day” of the Dead, the holiday takes place over two days each year, November 1-2, and the different days of the festival correspond to different spirits.
As the spirits of our departed are said to return each day at midnight, many celebrations take place at night — so you might see some sources say Day of the Dead is October 31-November 2.
However, some celebrations start as early as October 28 in different parts of the state.
Since the first day of the celebration starts on November 1, the spirits will return at midnight, which is basically the night of October 31.
Though this is technically the “eve” of Dia de Muertos, much like Christmas Eve, many consider it a festival day.
As you might imagine with such an elaborate affair, the Oaxaca City preparations begin at least a week prior.
It’s really fun to see the city getting decorated with marigold flowers and watching the ofrendas (colorful altars) being constructed, and visiting the cemeteries during the day.
📆 October 31st
Wondering, When does Day of the Dead start? The first day is November 1 at midnight, which is why many say it starts on October 31.
Though not an official festival day, many families observe October 31st, the former All Saints’ Eve, by building elaborate ofrendas (altars) on the cemetery gravestone of their deceased loved one.
As the eve of the souls returning, these preparations must be ready for the spirits’ arrival at midnight.
There’s a lot of energy in town, as people are ready to officially celebrate Dia de los Muertos after weeks of prep.
Families visit the town’s cemeteries to decorate their loved ones’ graves and gravestones, and many put the finishing touches on the ofrendas (altars) outside of their homes.
📆 November 1st: Day of the Little Angels
What was formerly known as All Saints’ Day, is present-day Día de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels).
This Day of the Little Angels on November 1 honors the children who have passed. Their spirits returned the night before, at midnight, but parties continue all day.
Note: You may also see this day called the Día de los Inocentes, or Day of the Innocents. However, don’t confuse it with the Day of Holy Innocents Mexican holiday, which is on December 28th.
📆 November 2nd: Day of the Dead
Formerly known as All Souls’ Day, November 2nd is the actual Day of the Dead day. On this day, family members and loved ones celebrate the adults in their life who no longer walk the Earth.
The spirits of all adults returned the night before, at midnight, but parties will continue all day.
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
10 Day of the Dead Do’s and Don’ts
Planning on attending Day of the Dead in Mexico? Smart choice! This will be an experience you won’t ever forget.
As someone who’s been living in Mexico since 2018, and been to Day of the Dead celebrations in a few places, here are some suggestions so you get the most out of your visit, in the most respectful way possible:
Day of the Dead Do’s
🟢 Do: Book your hotel or accommodation well in advance. Mexico Day of the Dead celebrations are very popular, and accommodations, especially in small towns, sell out months before the holiday.
🟢 Do: Participate! When you see a parade going by, jump in and start dancing with the locals.
This holiday is about remembering the deceased, an many local families do love it when you ask about their departed loved ones honored on the altars.
🟢 Do: Have a day where you have no plans at all. During Day of the Dead in Mexico, whole towns are transformed for this giant party, so explore as much as you can while the decorations are up.
🟢 Do: Ask for permission to take photos. To err on the side of caution, get permission from families in the cemeteries and at their ofrendas (altars), and when photographing people.
🟢 Do: Carry cash on you at all times. In Mexico, cash is still king, and many places don’t take cards. This is especially true with taxis, in any local market (mercados), and with street vendors, which will all be cash only.
🟢 Do: Pack noise canceling earbuds or noise canceling earplugs to get a good night’s sleep during this festive holiday. Day of the Dead is basically a multi-day party with loud music and city-wide celebrations.
Day of the Dead Dont’s
🛑 Don’t: Treat this as a tourist attraction.
The Day of the Dead Festival is a centuries-old cultural tradition, so have fun, but know this is not the same thing as getting wasted on Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
🛑 Don’t: Touch or disturb anything, including altars, cemetery decorations, and sand art on the ground.
🛑 Don’t: Use flash photography anywhere. To be safe you’ll want to just turn your flash on your camera from auto to off, so it doesn’t accidentally go off and flash at the wrong moment.
🛑 Don’t: Wear American-style elaborate costumes — especially not the “sexy” variety you see on Buzzfeed lists.
This is Dia de Muertos in Mexico, not Halloween in the U.S., and it has a different vibe. 💃 For an idea of what’s appropriate to wear, head here.
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
What are significant objects Day of the Dead?
The most significant Day of the Dead objects include cempasúchil (marigold flowers), pan de muerto (Day of the Dead bread) and sugar skulls — all placed upon an ofrenda (Day of the Dead altar).
What is the most recognizable symbol for Day of the Dead?
Sugar skulls — Calaveras azúcar, or sugar skulls, are the most delicious and most recognizable Day of the Dead symbol. Each of these hand-painted skulls are unique, and represents just one departed person.
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
What is an icon of the Day of the Dead festival?
La Catrina (Calavera Cartina) — This skeletal woman is the unofficial Day of the Dead icon, and you’ll see people all over the world painting their face to look like hers.
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
What is the flower for the Day of the Dead?
Cempasuchil, or marigold flowers — While you will find lot of flowers used in Day of the Dead festivities, none signifies the holiday more than marigolds, which are known as the “flor de muerto,” or flower of the dead.
Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
What are 5 symbols of Day of the Dead?
Some of the most important Day of the Dead symbols include: 1) marigold flowers, 2) pan de muerto (bread for Day of the Dead), 3) sugar skulls, 4) La Catrina, the skeleton woman, and 5) Day of the Dead altars.
Of course, there are A LOT of other symbols of the Day of the Dead. In fact, many of them won’t appear on lists because they only have special meaning to you, belonged to your departed loved ones, etc.
Final Thoughts: Day of the Dead Symbols & Customs
One of the most important Mexican holidays, Día de Muertos is as much as a celebration of life as it is a celebration of death and the departed.
For many Mexicans, death is a somber affair, but also a natural part of life — so it should be celebrated as such. While people do also mourn their departed, the Day of the Dead holiday is a time to remember them fondly.
As someone who has lived in Mexico since 2018, and celebrated Day of the Dead in several cities throughout the country, it has been an honor to experience death in such a joyful way.
If you’re planing to visit Mexico during Day of the Dead, there are amazing celebrations in Mexico City, Oaxaca City, Morelia, Merida, Guanajuato City, and the small town of Patzcuaro, Michoacan.
Additional Day of the Dead Blogs
I hope this article helped you understand symbols of Day of the Dead and what they represent.
For additional info on the Day of the Dead rituals and customs, Day of the Dead symbolism, and Day of the Dead fun facts, check out these related articles:
- 30 Best Day of the Dead Foods & Drinks
- Attending Day of the Dead in Oaxaca Mexico
- Mexico City Day of the Dead: Best Things to Do
- Hanal Pixan: The Mayan Day of the Dead Festival
- 17 Best Day of the Dead Celebrations in Mexico
- Day of the Dead in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know
- Mexico City Day of the Dead Parade Guide