Mexican Halloween Makeup. Bright Halloween Sugar Skull Makeup - A Simple and Colorful Look
sugar skull
Translation from English by Sergey Trofimov
On the blue and pink tiles of the square, illuminated by the morning sun,
shadows of children flickered. A stooped old man, sitting on a bronze bench,
hissed indignantly and constantly waved his hands, covered with white scars.
One of the little Mexican children was holding a cape and a wooden sword,
the other depicted an angry bull.
- No, not like that! - shouted Old Thomas. - Strike and immediately deflect
back!
He jumped up from the bench and began to show the boys how to perform
"Veronica". Lunge, kick and rebound.
- Look over here! The body moves along this line. It's clear?
The kids nodded and continued their game again, screaming
at each other and dodging imaginary blows. In a few minutes
they ran up to him and asked:
- Grandpa, show us your scars.
Old Thomas lifted the hem of his knitted shirt and exposed his right side, for the hundredth
once showing them the place where the bull ripped through his body thirty years ago.
The boys reverently touched the scar.
- Grandpa, when did you fight the bulls?
“Even before your mothers were born,” the old man replied.
Heels clattered on the flagstones of the square. A young woman passed by him
Spaniard. She wore a fitted gabardine suit. Black hair
shone, and the raised chin emphasized the proud posture. Without looking at
Thomas, she turned to the hotel for tourists and ran up the steps of the wide
porch.
The old man looked after her. Holding his breath, he admired her ankles,
pure and pure as the morning light. He admired her black
shiny curls. Her eyes caressed the elastic girl's body. tongue ran across
wrinkled lips - quite a bit, barely noticeable.
A minute later, a young rosy-cheeked
blond. Old Thomas looked at him, furrowed his brows, and clenched his
teeth. The tourist looked around the empty square lazily. Clean chatty
an American who came to town last week. Squinting your eyes, old man
watched him from his bench. And when the man turned away, going back to
number, Thomas spat on the mosaic slabs of the square and stopped paying attention
for children to play.
Roby Kibber woke up this morning with a strange feeling that something
It happened. He did not yet know what exactly happened during his dream, but
felt some discomfort. Robie sat up, dangled his legs over the edge of the bed and
stared at his bare knees for minutes. Then he remembered why he had come here.
He was in Mexico, in Guanajuato. Roby was a writer and collected
material about the Day of the Dead, the celebration of which was planned for today
evening. His room was located on the second floor of the hotel, in a room with wide
windows and balconies. Every morning, children ran and shouted under them, playing on
area. He could still hear their screams.
Only in Mexico could they celebrate the Day of the Dead. This country is so
saturated with the smell of death, that it was felt everywhere, wherever you go
arrived. Whatever you say and do, even during fun and
drunkenness, death has always surrounded you. And no car could run away from
her, and not a single drink was strong enough for a person to forget about
her presence.
He didn't even flinch when he glanced at the table at the head of the bed.
Only the heart beat sluggishly and ached at the sight of a white object lying nearby.
With table lamp.
Small sugar skull.
This delicacy was prepared especially for el Dia de Muerte - the Day of the Dead.
The skull was made of white sugar and easily crumpled when squeezed with fingers.
too tight. It had eye sockets, a sunken nose and teeth. AND
it shimmered in the dim light like a hard-packed snowball.
The name was inscribed on the top of the head.
Roby.
An intricate inscription made with a thin ligature of pink sugar.
Roby.
When he went to bed, no skull was there.
And now this thing lay on the table next to the lamp.
The room seemed like a cold crypt. He got dressed and opened massive
wooden shutters that protected the bedroom from the night wind.
Leaving on the balcony to bask in the sun and breathe fresh air,
he caught a glimpse of his blond hair and pink face in the wall mirror.
Roby didn't look back at the skull. He didn't want to meet the creepy look
empty mocking eye sockets. Instead, he surveyed a small area with
a bronze platform for the orchestra, pruned trees and trimmed bushes,
resembling round green drums, and a simple pattern of blue and pink
slabs, on which every Thursday and every Sunday people walked,
walking hand in hand to the loud and shrill music that exploded the silent
mexican sky.
Now there was no music. Children ran across the colorful tiles. Old
Thomas, sitting on a bronze bench, taught them some tricks.
Roby Kibber returned to his room. Passing his hand over his cheek, he decided that
it's time for him to shave. How nice it was to feel the warmth of the early sun
morning. How nice it was to live and feel your movements. Belly a little
ached. They drank too much tequila yesterday with Celia Diaz. And he also has
my throat hurt: there were too many songs and laughter.
Someone knocked. He smoothed his hair and, still smiling, opened the door.
- Buenos Dias, sir.
A small, neat woman was standing in the corridor. Wouldn't the lord want
have breakfast? Ham and eggs are already waiting for him. In the meantime, she could
clean up the room. Or maybe the señor wishes breakfast to be brought to him.
to the room?
No, he will go down. Roby asked her to come to the table and pointed to
small sugar skull. Switching to Spanish, he asked her some
questions. Does she know how this item ended up here? Didn't you see
the maid of the man who entered his room at night?
She looked at the skull and laughed. Death counts in Mexico
funny and enjoyable topic of conversation. They like to talk about her at dinner and
breakfast, with or without drinks, with smiles or very seriously. Oh no,
señor, answered the maid. She did not see who entered his room or
came out of it. Why doesn't he like this glorious skull? Ah-ah-ah, how
beautifully spelled the name of the lord!
Yes, under other circumstances, he would also admire the inscription. She
was performed excellently.
Robie went to breakfast unshaven.
As always, ham and eggs were served. The Mexicans could turn into
torture any good dish, he thought. Ham and eggs every morning during
two weeks. Since his arrival in Guanajuato, this morning menu has never been
didn't change. Grimacing, he pushed his plate towards him.
Celia Diaz entered the dining room. She wore a flawless gray suit.
Her black hair shone like silk.
Robie stood up and graciously invited her to his table. They shook each other
hands.
"What a beautiful morning," she said. "Just a wonderful morning."
“Yes,” he replied.
Her magnificent hairstyle full lips, dark and big eyes, so inquisitive
and gentle, created an image of complete perfection. Women usually don't
look in the morning. It seemed that Celia lived according to her own laws and another
time. She was always at her peak, fresh and delightful, as if in
in the middle of the evening before the carnival ball. Looking at the interlocutor, he no longer
I could take my eyes off her beautiful face.
"You look tired," she said softly.
“Yes, I am tired,” he answered. “I came to Mexico a tired man,
I live here like a tired person, and I will leave even more tired and irritated.
This state has been going on for several years and has nothing to do with wine, guitars
and women. It, like a height, throws me into the heat, then into the cold. And I'm not in
power to get rid of it.
"I think I know what's the matter," she said, without taking him off
a close look.
“No one knows that,” he replied.
- I know.
"No, no," said Robie, shaking his head.
reason.
- I saw many Americans. Getting to Mexico, they are always afraid
one and the same. They look over their shoulders in fear, do not sleep and
digest food. They laugh at climate change, but their excuses
ridiculous. I know what you're afraid of.
He put down his fork and asked defiantly:
- And what is it?
"Death," Celia replied.
Sunlight streaming in through the wide, large window illuminated the
half of her face, sparkled on the silverware and played on the painted
wooden plates that hung on the walls.
She placed a small object on the table. Sugar skull.
- I went to your room. The maid said you were out for breakfast.
It was on the table next to the lamp.
Robie looked at the skull and grimaced.
"You're afraid," Celia said.
The lettering was exquisite and beautiful.
“Yes,” he replied, leaning back in his chair. “I'm afraid.
They had breakfast, drank coffee and went out to the square. Their path went through
the bronze bench on which Old Thomas sat.
“Señorita, señor,” the old man greeted them.
They nodded to him, and, barely deigning a glance, walked on down the shady
alley. When the couple passed, the children ran up to the old man. They started the game again
capes and wooden swords.
Sitting on the bronze bench, Celia and Roby lit cigarettes.
"Are you being threatened?" she asked.
- I'm not sure.
He threw a burning match on the ground.
- Damn it! I don't know anyone in this country!
- Why did you come to Mexico?
- To collect material for the book. And my friend lived here -
Douglas McClure.
- Oh! I knew him. He showed up in Guanajuato last year. We
became friends with him, and I was very surprised when he left one night, not
not saying a word to me. Since then, Douglas has not written me a single letter.
- Me too. His last message came in September, and then he
It seemed to vanish into thin air, and I never heard from him again. Maybe,
you think I'm one of those reckless eccentrics who seek out
head on in trouble. But to be honest, I'm fucking selfish. Me
brought here a book and only a book. Although I wouldn't mind finding
the missing McClure. He wrote about you in three letters. And for some reason I thought
that you will help me in my search.
"How can I help you?" she exclaimed, waving her hand in annoyance.
hands. - He came and went. Wandered around the country for weeks or circled
at local bars. Yes, Douglas was sweet and kind. We often talked and
had dinner together. But when he disappeared, I said to myself: what else to expect from these
Americans? I don't care where he is now. Why don't you look for it in
Acapulco?
She smiled sadly.
“Acapulco!” said Robie. “That's all I hear about. For all my
questions tell me: "Go to Acapulco!", as if you can find anyone there
missing person. I had already gone there, made inquiries about Douglas, but no one
of the locals did not see a guy who looked like McClure. I only know one thing
he was in this city! He was, and then suddenly disappeared ... In his letters, Douglas
wrote about your friendship. I even thought that you could be his
a Spanish lover who, in a fit of jealousy, killed McClair.
- All this sounds very flattering and romantic, but too far from
truth,” she replied. “I am a modern Mexican woman. I don't
I like the customs of my countrymen, and I live by my own rules. IN
there are many such women in our city, but you will not find among them jealous and
passionate ladies who, in a fit of feelings, could kill a person. Say, a
why is that sugar skull in your room?
"This is a warning," he said.
unraveling the mystery. Sometimes it seems to me that Douglas is somewhere nearby. Thursday I
I even thought that I would meet him at a nightly concert or in a bar. However, the one
who gave me this sugar skull did a great stupidity. If he
intended to intimidate me, he achieved nothing. Yes, I'm scared, but not
I'm going to leave. The sugar skull was a mistake: it only reinforced
my suspicions. Whoever the criminal was, he should have kept quiet and not
disturb me. Then I might miss some important factor, refuse
from looking for Douglas and leaving for the States next week.
- And what if you could not miss this important factor? - judiciously
she remarked. “Perhaps the criminal knew that by taking the next step
I would definitely find my missing friend. He left this skull to
keep you at a safe distance. And it's very annoying.
warning. What did you plan to do in the coming days?
- Nothing special!
- And yet the criminal calculated your steps. He knew that you would come out
the right track - if not today, then tomorrow or before you leave for the States
next week. Where were you planning to go, Señor Roby? What else are you
not seen in this city? What would you like to see before leaving?
And he found the answer to all her questions.
Feeling this, she quickly squeezed the palm of the interlocutor, as if trying to
calm him down. He took a deep drag on the cigarette smoke and narrowed his eyes. His
chest heaved up and down.
- Tell me, - she whispered after a couple of minutes. - What place did you want
visit before leaving the city?
Robbie sighed and slowly replied:
- Catacombs.
There was a cemetery at the top of the hill. From there you could see the whole city. He
stood on a gentle slope, and the cobblestone pavements, first in streams, then
streams, and then rivers of streets flowed down to flood it with a strong and
beautiful stone, polished for centuries to a smooth sheen. What a bitter
irony that best view the city was opened from the cemetery. high wall
surrounded by rows of tombstones. They looked like wedding cookies,
powdered angels and cherubs, glazed curlicues that are about to
threatened to fall to the ground in cold granite bands. And despite the fact that
the tombstones were as big as beds, the cemetery yard looked like a creation
crazy confectioner. On cold evenings, you could see the whole valley from here,
covered with small spiky lights. And the barking of dogs, as sharp as
the sound of a tuning fork falling on a stone filled her with a disturbing echo. And by
funeral processions stretched along the winding road, and people in the twilight carried
shoulders oak coffins.
Roby Kibber stopped in the middle of the slope and, chin up,
examined the cemetery wall.
"Don't go there today," Celia begged. "Can't you
wait until tomorrow?
“No,” he replied in a dull voice. “Now I know what it is.”
the only place to find McClure. It always bothered me
mind, but until today I did not want to believe in such a possibility. I
I looked around other places, leaving the catacombs for last. I was told that
this is a terrible dungeon, where mummies, chained with iron, stand along the walls
chains.
Roby began to climb the hill and soon stopped at a stall with
soft drinks.
"It's hot," he said to Celia with a weary smile.
orange juice? I think this is what we need now.
- You look sick.
Yes, I must have been sick. And after today I'm going to get sick
the rest of your life.
They stood in the sun-drenched street, drinking juice from bottles and without a shadow
embarrassment made idiotic smacking sounds with their lips. Roby emptied the bottle and
looked at the girl who was standing behind the counter of the stall. she licked
a small sugar corpse that she held in her hand.
Robbie froze in place. He watched with horror as the child's white teeth
dug into the pink body of the sugar doll.
In the end, the American sighed, turned away and silently walked to the top.
hill. Beside him, the shadow of his companion glided lightly and nonchalantly. They
rose higher and higher - to where on rusty hinges swayed and
the old gate creaked, behind which the cemetery began.
On the wide square next to the church, under the shade of green trees, sat
People. They were waiting for some events or entertainment. If something
happened, they jumped to their feet, ran up and took part in it. A
the sun was already descending towards the hills, highlighting the shining thread of the narrow-gauge railway, which
drawn to the silver mines. People in the square were waiting for it to get dark.
Roby Kibber walked slowly down the street. From time to time he stopped and
he stared at the windows of the houses with disdain. Celia walked beside him, but Roby didn't notice her.
The world has changed and everything has lost its value. He went to a bar and
ordered a beer.
And Douglas McClure was indeed underground on top of a hill. Directly
Now. In the cold catacombs
They went up the hill and gave a peso to the cemetery watchman. When that
opened the steel door, they descended the stone spiral staircase and
passed through a dimly lit hall where one hundred and twenty-five
chained mummies. open mouths and surviving beards. It seemed that the dead
at their appearance, they recoiled to the side and raised a silent, displeased cry.
They walked past the mummies, trying not to look at the high cheekbones,
covered in leather. They wandered through the catacombs for a long time until they found the body
McClure. It is well preserved in the dry air of the dungeon.
Roby Kibber left the bar and a small street led him to the square
in front of the church. Celia Diaz has gone somewhere.
A brass band with five trumpeters marched bravo along one of the alleys,
spinning the melody into an unpredictable musical centrifuge wheel. Men in
in knitted trousers they beat drums, blew pipes and kissed lovingly
mouthpieces of their black clarinets. Robie heard them only when they
walked a meter away from him.
"What are you doing here?"
"I don't know. I'm sick. I'm afraid. I need people tonight. Lots of
people to protect me from all sides! I need people and music. I
I will stay here in the heart of the fiesta until my girlfriend comes for me. I
I will not go to the hotel along a dark alley. I can't be alone! If I stay on
square, he can't get to me!"
"Who is he?"
The man who killed Douglas McClure.
The band marched across the bandstand playing "Yankee Goon". The melody flowed from
strange damage, castrated by the whim of the soloist and the breath of those who
blew it out of the pipes. She just looked like a Yankee Stupid, and there was something about her
frightening and vicious.
They want to kill me, Robie Kibber thought.
"Don't whine like an idiot. Go to the police."
"And what will it give? Perhaps they already know about the body of McClure, lying in
catacombs. They know and hush up this fact so as not to cause complications with
by the American government. These things have happened many times."
A bull appeared in the square - a bull made of papier-mâché, which was piled on
shoulders of Old Thomas. The reed frame covered almost the entire body
old man, leaving only his legs free. They stomped and shuffled menacingly across
pavement, like an angry bull rushed to attack.
How did Douglas McClure die?
There was a strange hole on his forehead between the eyes.
From a bullet?
"No. It's not a bullet wound. But I don't know what could have left such
hole."
People jumped up from the benches. Something started to explode. old thomas,
setting fire to the fuses of bamboo shooters under the skeleton, rushed at the crowd, which
trembled and ran away from him.
Suddenly, the head of the bull was enveloped in a cloud of smoke, illuminated by flashes of fire.
Robby screamed involuntarily. A swarm of balls flew out of the reed skeleton
bright red flame. There was a crackle of shots. Flaming balls poured out
gushed and rushed into the crowd! The people pulled back. Around the bull
formed a wide circle. Old Thomas rushed about in circles, scaring away
runaway daredevils. The eyes of the painted mask smoldered with fire and hissed
scattered orange sparks. Crackers made from "Roman candles"
soared into the air, jets of liquid flame and poured over screaming children
prickly fiery rain. Desperate boys ran out of the crowd and waved
in front of Old Thomas with red scarves. "Bull" rushed at them. Someone fell and
shouted. Someone dodged the clumsy old man and laughed out loud.
People circled under the green crowns of trees, bumped into each other and
jumped over the benches, running away from the fiery bull. One of the jokers got into
the baby's starched shirt-front. He fell into a ditch, raising a fountain of spray, and
screamed out loud. And the "bull" burned, exuded rockets, sparks, smoke, and people,
panting, holding on to their sides and pushing against the audience by the trees, yelled from
delighted and rejoiced at this wild fun.
The crowd picked up Robie and carried him away. He ran, slowly at first,
then faster and faster. His face flushed. He suddenly wanted
to be in the very center of events, spinning and falling, laughing and grabbing
people behind their clothes, to hide behind them, like shields, to hide from the one who
watched him and waited in the ominous darkness. He wanted to forget and run -
run and laugh. At first, the laughter was hysterical and unnatural, but then
along with fatigue came real fun. He jumped over the fence
dodging the attacks of the "bull", and then teasing him when he rushed at
someone else. Old Thomas circled the square, bombarding the crowd.
flaming balls of crackers. A black cloud of smoke hung over him. Someone released
a dozen rockets, and those, piercing into the sky and stars, created for a moment a beautiful
lacy arch of red flame.
And the "bull" again rushed to the crowd. People fled to the sides, and Roby
Kibber was left alone with the ferocious monster. Howling from the embarrassed
delight, he backed away to the church fence. All thoughts and feelings
disappeared. He was seized with fright before the "bull", belching sparks and flames. Fiery
the ball burned his ear. Robie screamed and ran away. There was a crack
shots, and something hit his arm. He bent down and laughed, running
running into a crowd of people.
Among them was Celia.
She stood at the edge of the square and anxiously watched his wild
jumps and dodges. Robie began to push his way towards her, apologizing and pushing
elbows in dense rows of whirling pandemonium. On reaching Celia, he
suddenly felt nauseous and almost fell on the stone slabs.
There was genuine horror in her eyes. She looked at the blood
flowed in a steady, warm stream down his arm.
"You were shot at, Robie," she whispered.
The sounds of the orchestra drowned in the growing noise. He fell to his knees and stumbled
face at Celia's feet. She grabbed him by the arms and tried to lift him...
Doctors are of no use in Mexico. They can bring anyone to
tantrums with their lazy questions, deadpan air and absolute
incompetence. You can yell at them and stomp your feet. You can even
cry a little. And the doctor will quietly and calmly bandage your wound and say,
that this is a fiesta, señor. It's okay, calm down. Some person in
in a fit of joy he fired his pistol. Ordinary accident. But you
won't you go to the police, señor? And who to complain to? Not for anyone!
And this wound may not have been from a bullet at all. Perhaps the señor scratched himself on
nail? What are you saying? No? Yes, it is indeed deeper. Yes, you have to
admit it's a bullet wound. But believe me, the shot was taken from the net
hearts! Forget it, sir. Forget and enjoy life!
When Robie left the doctor's office, Celia ran up to him.
- Did you see who shot me?
- No, I didn't see anything. And no one saw. Everyone was running and pushing
and shouted. But you're in luck. The bullet tore out a piece of meat and missed the bone.
- This doctor... He sits there and philosophizes about death! Can
to think there are no safe places in Mexico at all! Whether you're alone or in a crowd
other people...
- You really better go back to the States.
- No! I will stay! I have to get Douglas out of the catacombs and send
his ashes go home to his relatives, who will bury the poor fellow according to Christian laws.
And I'll demand an investigation! But this morning... I'm completely overgrown with stubble.
Robie glared at her and turned away. She was a stranger. Everybody is here
was alien and intimidating. And he could no longer trust this woman. Maybe,
she...
“You are tired,” said Celia. “You had better go to your room and lie down in
bed.
He returned to the hotel.
And there a funeral procession awaited him.
It was a small board that lay on his bed, with plasticine
figurines representing a funeral procession.
He turned on the light, locked the door with a key and wearily sat down on the floor against the wall,
considering a scary gift.
A tiny priest with a walnut for a head held a black book and,
raising his hand, he called to the holy heavens. Little church boys
raised mourning flags. Next to them stood a coffin, on the lid of which lay
sugar skull. A photograph of the deceased was taped to the altar - photograph
Roby.
He glanced around the small room. Someone rummaged through the suitcases,
I found an old photograph and, having cut out the face, pasted it on a small altar.
No notes or warnings. The figurines were enough. In el Dia
de Muerte such boards were sold in every market. But they were not left
beds of friends - even for fun. The silent room stared at Robie
empty eye sockets of the skull. He became cold. Cold to the point of nausea. He started
tremble.
There was a soft knock. Robbie stood up and listened. Taking a deep breath, he
opened the door and looked out into the corridor.
“Señor!” came a whistling whisper.
Old Thomas smelled of sweat and wine.
- I have urgent business for you.
- I am tired and want to sleep.
Thomas looked at his bed and pointed with a trembling finger at
plasticine figurines.
“I need to talk to you about this, señor. I recently
walked down the corridor and saw the man who brought to your room
this little surprise. I thought you might be interested in hearing his name.
Robbie blinked in bewilderment and asked:
- Have you seen his face?
- It wasn't a man. A woman came to you.
- Woman?
Yes, Senorita Celia. I saw her with my own eyes.
- You'd better go home. I'm cold, and you're just drunk...
She didn't notice me. This board was in her hands. She entered your
room and stayed there for a few minutes. Hey hey senor! You feel bad?
Robie swayed and closed his eyes.
- Yes, I'm not well.
- Senor, I see this girl with you every day. We do not have in Mexico
it is customary for a woman to walk the streets with a strange man or
met with him alone. Yesterday Senora Licone, who makes sweets and
sugar skulls, said to me: “Oh, this Celia! She just went crazy!
She came to me and asked me to write an American name on one of the skulls
Roby." I forgot to think about it, but then I heard that you were injured at the fiesta. And
when I saw her with the board and pieces, I felt uneasy. That's why,
Senor, I decided to tell you about Celia.
Robie sank to the floor with a groan, clutching his bandaged arm to his chest.
- Could you take me to Señora Licone?
- Certainly can.
- I want to ask her about the sugar skull.
- OK.
Old Thomas licked dry lips. His dark face looked black
a spot on which mad eyes shone.
“Do you know why it seemed strange to me? Because before you here
was another American...
- Another!?
- Sit a little longer. You are very pale and weak. Yes, sir, another
American. He lived in this hotel a year ago and also walked with the senorita along
streets. I saw them leaving the hotel hand in hand...
"Celia," whispered Roby Kibber softly. "Is it Celia?"
- And one night this American was gone!
- Yes, yes, I know.
And Celia pretended to be surprised and saddened by his disappearance. ABOUT,
these women! How cunning they are! But we saw how she dragged
American suitcases!
"Why didn't you report this to the police?" he asked in amazement.
Roby.
- Why, señor? The American is gone. Perhaps he went to his States.
Oh-oh! So you think he was killed? is it so bad? I'm
suspected Celia when the clouds began to gather over you. And see how everyone
converges! She clung to you like that American. threw you sugar
scull. She brought figurines and a board. And you got hurt at the fiesta today. But
this is serious! That's why I came to you. So you want to meet
Senora Licone?
- Yes. Take me to her.
- She lives nearby.
They walked down the street past the undertaker's workshop. Even at this late hour
from there came the sound of a hammer and the businesslike singing of a saw. Through the open door
two men could be seen doing their hard work.
Celia, thought Roby. Affectionate Celia with such gentle and kind eyes.
Why did she decide to do this? Perhaps the girl fell in love with Douglas, and he,
violating Mexican customs, treated her vulgarly and rudely. And then she
killed him in a fit of hatred and despair. They say that in Mexico
happens frequently. Here they kill quickly and without words, disliking thorough
plans and slow poison. A blow, and a second later bitter remorse. Dagger or
gun - reliably, quickly and forever.
Could Douglas have done you such a burning offense? Perhaps he is just
wanted to hold you and kiss you? Or did your family not like McClure? Well,
Yes! Your reputation suffered because people saw you together. Normal
business for the Americans, but not for you. And that's why you killed Douglas - out of revenge.
and hopeless love. She killed and took his suitcases out of the room. Everything looked
like he left. But in fact, you lured the guy into the catacombs and
left his lifeless naked body there. Perhaps you went down there more than once
and laughed at the remains of McClure. What a nightmare! What heartlessness! But
then I arrived and you threatened me with threats to get me back to
States. How could you know that I'm so stubborn...
- Over here, señor.
They turned into a dark alley. In the bottomless abyss of the sky shimmered
cold stars. Somewhere in the valley a dog howled. And next to me the guitar was crying,
shedding tears of crystal clear chords. And a voice sang a sad song.
Tell me, Thomas? Still far?
- It's close, señor. Really close.
Ah, Celia, Robie thought as he walked up the hill. You failed to hide from
me his body. You never found reliable people who could pull you out
MacClar from the catacombs and bury him on the outskirts of the city. Or maybe you
I didn't want Douglas to be carried away. Are you playing with me
some crazy game? Did you really want me to find the murdered McClure?
The moon seemed like a thorn in the side of a dead man who looked down from heaven at an empty
earth. Two men were walking up the wide street, their shadows moving in front of
them. The old man turned toward a building whose contours were very familiar. On
banners and ribbons fluttered in the fence at the gate.
- Is this the arena, Thomas? Bullfighting arena?
- Yes, there are bullfights.
"Does Señora Licone live somewhere here?"
She doesn't have her own house. She huddles under the podium and does
sweets like sugar skulls and little pink corpses. Us here.
They entered the silent arena, lit by moonlight. White sand
seemed to be rippling water. Rows of empty benches looked like circles on
the walls of a huge funnel.
- How do you feel, señor?
- Not very good. I was tired of this long climb.
"Look at this," exclaimed Thomas, pointing to the black knot which
lying on the sand. - Look, someone left the bullfighter's equipment here.
On the scarlet cape were black pointe shoes, a small beret, and a dim
shiny sword.
"Yes, someone forgot their things," Robie said and looked around anxiously.
Thomas squatted down, picked up his beret and spread it lovingly with his hand.
- It's just a shame to forget such kindness. Have you ever seen
a real bullfight?
Several times, but I didn't like it.
- You're an American, sir.
Thomas put on his beret and stood in front of Robie. His body straightened up.
He lowered his hands and proudly asked:
- How do I look, mister?
- Very good. But perhaps you can take me to Señora Licone...
"So I didn't impress you?"
- No, you really look fine, however...
- Do you know that once, many years ago, I was the best bullfighter
Mexico?
I don't doubt it, but...
- Please, señor, listen to the old man.
His body cast a long shadow, and Thomas seemed very tall and
strong. He stopped slouching. His muscles relaxed, his chin lifted
up, and in the senile eyes a young perky fire shone.
“Once I fought here with three bulls,” he said.
same day! The people in the stands were packed to the sky. When I'm done
the last fight, they cut off the ears of the bulls and gave them to me. And people were throwing
arena hats, gloves and wallets. It was like rain. And it was rain
my glory!
Robie looked at the old man and didn't say a word. It started to boil
cold displeasure. Thomas bent down, picking up his cloak and sword.
- I was considered the best, and when I spent "Veronica" ... like this
So...
He twirled in a series of lunges.
- The audience exploded with applause, and it was wonderful.
Suddenly, Thomas bent down and quickly put on his pointe shoes instead of the huaraches that
he threw off his feet.
- And now ... - the old man cried, approaching Roby.
- I would like to see Señora Licone...
- Yes, yes, the woman who makes sugar skulls. And here she is.
Thomas jabbed his sword towards the podium. Robbie turned around. At the same moment
something plunged into the back of his head.
Let's start, sir!
Robie screamed, jumped to the side, and nearly fell over. He passed his hand over
back of the head and neck, and the fingers found three small needles to which they were attached
thin ribbons fluttering in the wind—red, white, and green. pulling out
needles, Robie threw them on the sand.
- What are you doing!?
- Oh, you became interested! - The old man said with a grin.
banderillas. Spikes for the bull's neck. If you've been to a bullfight, you've seen how
bandilleros stuck banderillas in the bull's neck. I did the same now.
- Thomas! You're crazy! - shouted the American, stepping back.
The old man hit him with a sword. The point sank into his leg. The blade went into the thigh
and went out. Falling to the ground, Robie stared in horror at the blood.
- Thomas!
The old man bent over him, covering the moon with his body.
“Do you want to know what happened tonight?”
"Thomas," the fallen man whispered breathlessly.
- I tried to shoot you at the fiesta. Under the skeleton of a carnival bull
I had a revolver hidden away. But you escaped death, señor.
Take me to that woman...
Roby couldn't breathe. His mouth opened and closed. He felt
nauseating pain.
“There is no woman,” the old man answered with a laugh. “But perhaps
do you want to know what will happen tomorrow morning, señor? Tomorrow Celia will start
ask about you. And it turns out that you left the hotel. left
far, far away! And your suitcases will disappear from the room with you.
Robbie tried to get up.
- Come on, get up! - cried Thomas. - I will meet you with a good blow!
Robie tried to step on his injured leg. The pain burned him furiously
fire. He swayed, but still held his ground.
- You are crazy! Put down your sword, you idiot!
- Oh, no, señor.
- Why do you want to kill me?
- Because.
Thomas adjusted the birrette on his head. Roby Kibber staggered again. He is with
struggled with the onslaught of pain. Blood flashed before my eyes, frozen
moonlight and clear skies.
“I will scream,” he warned the old man. “People will hear me and
come running here.
- You won't do it, señor, and spoil our game. Otherwise I will kill
you very quickly. A sword strike between the eyes.
Roby trembled. He saw Douglas' corpse in the catacombs. strange hole in
the skull has found its solution. It was the mark of a bullfighter's sword. So that's how he died
McClure!
- Now we will continue our little game. I will be the greatest
bullfighter in the world, and you, señor, are a bull. I will lure you and
dodge attacks. And you will have to attack me again and again. By
along the way, I'll start cutting your arms and legs. Then comes the blows to the chest!
Then the final blow! And let the moon enjoy this fight! Let the stars
fill the seats in the stands!
- But what did I do to you? Thomas?
- Every day I saw you go in and out of the hotel. And together with
you have always been Celia. But she is our woman! She is not one of your harlots!
The old man stood before them, tall and proud.
- In the light of the sun and moon, you walked with her, laughed and did not pay attention to
me no attention. Every day, every single day, I saw you
touched her hands, whispered some words to her, and my hatred for you
was getting as big as that other American. He came to
Last year. He also walked and laughed with Celia. Poor Yankee.
Drunkard tourist. Celia looked at him like he was a god. How does he look now
you. She didn't notice Old Thomas. But I was once known to all
Mexico - from Oaxaca to Guadalajara and Monterrey. But Thomas is now an old man. He
can no longer run around the arena. Not a single bull will look at him anymore. Tem
more than a woman. Even pigs don't respect Old Thomas anymore and people spit
on him. An old man who was gored by a bull...
He made a sharp movement with his hand and lifted his shirt. on brown
skin, crossing the entire side and part of the abdomen, stretched a wide white scar, which
left from the bull's horn.
- Do you see, señor? This is the mark of my prowess! Badge of the bullfighter profession!
But what do scars mean to young women? Celia walks and laughs with you. A year
She used to go with someone else. And then one day my hatred reached the limit. I
lured him here one of the nights, and we played a bullfight with him -
mexican hero vs stupid american animal. I killed him.
Now it's your turn!
- Thomas, I have nothing against you. You an old man....
- I'm not old! - the Mexican shouted with fury and, running up to Roby
Kibberu, brandished his sword. - She thinks I'm old! stupid
stupid Celia! Every day she passes by my bench and does not even look at
me. Every day for years I look at her Beautiful face, on her
wonderful walk. And I say to myself, "No! These Yankees won't get it!" I will
kill anyone who comes here and tries to turn her head. One
second, third. There might be a dozen of you before I get caught.
But you won't get it! She is mine!
Thomas cut the air with his sword.
- Move! Move, Yankees! Do not stay on the same place! Run! Attack me!
Fight with me! Show your prowess!
- My leg... I can't walk.
"Then I'll make you run!"
Thomas hit him across the face with the hilt of his sword. Anger made Robie forget the pain
in the leg. He hobbled towards the old man, but he quickly dodged.
- Good! - shouted the Mexican, waving his cape. - Let's do it again!
Robbie ran towards him.
- More! Like this! And further!
The young man stopped, gasping with pain and rage. The old man nodded
and looked at the moon.
- It's already late. It's time to end the fight. Now you run on me and I
I'll pierce your brain with a blade.
He lifted the cloak and it fluttered in the cold wind. The moon filled
world with illusory ghostly light.
Robbie's eyes dimmed. The wounded leg throbbed like a big
heart. The earth swayed under him, and in time with it trembled and whirled
stars.
"Thomas," he whispered softly. "I hate you!"
- Forward! - shouted the old man, waving his cape.
The sword flew up, cutting through the howling wind.
“I hate it!” repeated the American.
"The time has come," said Old Thomas.
- It's here.
Roby made a false forward motion, and when the sword flashed in the air,
he fell, rolled to the side and jumped on the bullfighter from the side. Undercutting the legs
old man, he tugged on his knitted trousers, and Thomas fell with a screech
back. They rolled across the arena, snatching each other's swords and getting entangled in
scarlet cape. Then one of them jumped to his knees and, clutching the hilt with both
hands, pierced the chest of the enemy, lying on the white sand.
“This is for me,” he croaked, swinging and drawing his sword from
body.
He raised his blade and plunged it again into his opponent, who was writhing in
death throes.
- This is for Celia.
The sword went up and down again.
- And this is for Douglas McClure!
When Celia met Robie in the street early in the morning, he limped
returning from the doctor to the hotel. She noticed in his hand some small
white item. Church bells rang and the sun rose lazily over
blue hills. The morning air seemed surprisingly sweet from the smoke of the stoves,
where the hostess prepared breakfast. Roby inhaled it with a happy look,
plucked pieces from the sugar skull and put them in his mouth. When Celia approached
and greeted him, he ate the last piece. Chewed and swallowed
remnants, Robie smiled back, hugged his girlfriend, and their lips merged into
long kiss.
_________________
Oh Devi! You are the mind, sky, air, fire, water, earth. Nothing exists outside of you during your transformation. You became the sacred queen of Shiva in order to change your own blissful form of consciousness into that of the world.
El Dia De Los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday dedicated to the memory of the dead. Many of us know that his attributes are sugar skulls, colorful costumes and painted faces. However, this holiday is something more than what we know about it.
Many may think that this holiday is the Mexican version of Halloween, but this would be a mistake. The only thing that unites them is, perhaps, the image of the skull. This holiday is not even celebrated on Halloween! Of course, almost at the same time, but this is only one of many differences between the current version and the popular perception of the holiday.
On the Day of the Dead, no one tries to scare anyone, and even more so, no one dresses up in costumes of pop culture characters and goes from house to house begging for candy from strangers.
Even though Halloween is celebrated on one day in October, some people start celebrating it as early as the first of October, or early September if they are completely obsessed with this holiday. The Day of the Dead is celebrated only once a month.
As is the case with other holidays, many people change certain traditions and aspects of the celebration to suit their lifestyle and their own opinions. This is true for the Day of the Dead as well, but for the most part, many of the traditional aspects remain the same.
Here are 15 things you might not know about the Day of the Dead!
15. This is the time when spirits roam everywhere
The Day of the Dead focuses only on the dead. People who celebrate this holiday believe that on this day of the year the souls of the dead return to Earth to visit their loved ones. One of the reasons why people wear skull suits is because they help those who from the afterlife would like to roam the Earth blend in with the rest of the population.
Nowadays, those who celebrate this holiday do not necessarily believe that the souls of the dead are roaming around. Nevertheless, the skull has become the main symbol of the holiday and is its "face" (or rather, its absence). Addendum bright colors to the skull is a way of beautifying faces and glorifying the dead, rather than making oneself look intimidating.
14. The holiday lasts two days
The Day of the Dead is actually two Days of the Dead! It is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, although in some parts of the world it is celebrated on Halloween. If not, then this means potentially as many as three holidays contract!
On November 1, which coincides with All Saints' Day, as a rule, they visit the graves of loved ones and honor the dead babies and children (this day is called Angel Day (Día de los Angelitos)), and on November 2, which coincides with All Souls' Day , celebrate the death of the adult dead (this day is called the Day of the Dead (Día de los Difuntos)).
Rather, it is not a celebration of the death of a person, but of his life! At this time, it is customary not to be sad and not to mourn the loss of loved ones, but, on the contrary, to rejoice that they were, and remember everything. good moments their lives.
13. Orange marigolds - flowers of the dead
Yellow marigolds are considered the flowers of the dead. They are like the sun, because they open and bloom like a heavenly body. Very often they also have bright colors. For this reason, they symbolize life and hope, making them the perfect flower for this holiday.
If you think of a flower for Halloween, it would most likely be a black rose or some bloody and creepy version of a flower painting. But instead, on the Day of the Dead, you can see a bright and full of life alternative to the American bloody and creepy holiday.
Those who participate in the celebration dress and adorn themselves using marigolds to attract the souls of the dead to various gifts, offerings and celebrations. The result is bright and beautiful jewelry instead of the dark and creepy ones that are usually used during Halloween celebrations.
12. Katrina (La Catrina) - the most popular female skeleton
The image of the skeleton is of great importance for the Day of the Dead. However, one particular image is the most notable of all: it is that of Katrina (La Catrina), which is Spanish for "fashionista". This is an image of an elegant woman that appeared in Mexican culture as a parody of high society women.
Mexican artist Jose Guadalupe Posada created this image in response to the fact that women of Mexican culture were forced to adopt the customs and traditions of European culture. The image is a reminder of those who hide or hide their culture. On the contrary, it is important to remember the traditions and honor them in order to pass them on to their descendants with generations, preserving the history of the nation.
11. Altars in honor of the dead are installed in houses
Altars are sometimes set up to remember and mourn the dead. Instead, on the Day of the Dead, altars are built to help tell the story of the deceased and prepare a place for them to visit.
On the day of the celebration, the altar is a place decorated in memory of close person, and invites the soul of the dead to return from the grave exactly there. The altars decorate them with favorite things and make them a safe and comfortable place for the dead on the day they visit the living.
If the altar is dedicated to a child, then toys are also added to the place of worship. Sometimes religious symbols such as crosses or the image of the Virgin Mary can be seen on the altars.
10. Not setting up an altar is considered a bad sign.
The altar is perhaps one of the most important components of this holiday. It is believed that whoever does not set up an altar, a place of worship, or some other sacred place (to display memorabilia and salute the soul of the deceased) will be damned.
It is believed that if the living have nothing to attract the soul of the deceased to visit them that day, then the spirits will return and will haunt and frighten them. This does not mean that people are forced to fear this day - it's just a small frightening element to a bright and deep tradition.
This is just an urban legend and a signal to remember your loved ones who have been lost and not to ignore death or the celebration of the Day of the Dead. Some believe that a person who does not set up an altar may become ill or fall ill the day after the feast.
9. Altars are not only installed at home.
Altars for the Day of the Dead are created not only inside houses. If during the holiday you go outside and walk around public places, you will most likely see altars set up in places like banks, schools, and small shops.
On this day, everyone honors the dead and offers them a place where they can return to visit the living. Some feel that those who have moved may want to visit a place where they used to work, study, or have visited many times for work.
This makes sense, because the souls of relatives who have not had an altar erected in their honor will need a place to go when they return from the afterlife for one day a year. Schools also celebrate this holiday and study it, so it is understandable why you can see at least one altar in every school, and perhaps in every classroom.
8. About the Bread of the Dead
Another component of the holiday is the Bread of the Dead (Pan de Muerto). Sweet bread can be seen on most altars. It is prepared the day before to fill the air with its aroma, and the dead, waking up from their graves, could possibly find their way to their loved ones by its smell.
The bread is baked in round loaves with two strips of dough on top, symbolizing the bones, and sprinkled with sugar. Bread is placed on the altar and on the graves of the dead. There are many varieties of bread that is baked for this day, and it doesn't really matter what shape it is. Custom dictates that the Bread of the Dead be present at the traditional feast.
7. The Spaniards didn't want this holiday to be celebrated.
With the beginning of the Spanish colonization of Mexico, the traditions of the Day of the Dead were almost lost. Many of those who came to Mexico and began to Europeanize the country adhered to strict Christian traditions. They considered the Day of the Dead holiday to be diabolical and wanted to put an end to it. Of course, they did not succeed in destroying this tradition, so they tried a little to convert the indigenous population to Christianity.
Initially, the Day of the Dead was celebrated in the summer, but was moved closer to to fit into European culture. Nowadays, the Day of the Dead is perhaps considered even more Christian than modern Halloween. This is not a devilish or sinful holiday, but a beautiful and beautiful way celebrate the lives of deceased relatives.
6. Some people throw whole parties in the cemetery. 
One of the coolest things about the Day of the Dead is the celebrations that are held in the cemetery. On the first day, friends and relatives visit the graves of their deceased loved ones many times. This is done in order to awaken their souls.
Part of this process also includes decorating the grave with the same things as the altar. Some families decide to have a celebration at the grave, and the cemetery turns into a place for a party all night.
This is a very cool tradition that would be nice to adopt for every day! Cemeteries are dark and creepy places during the rest of the year, but they really need to get brighter and livelier to honor the dead instead of crying in the dark.
5. Sugar skulls are based on real sugar skulls
Now that you've heard the term "sugar skull", you're probably thinking of some kind of brightly colored or decorative skull. In a way, it is, but the real original sugar skull was just that - a skull made of sugar. Like the Bread of the Dead, the sugar skull is another important treat to prepare for the holiday.
Sugar skulls come in all sorts, shapes and sizes, but they are mainly candied skulls that are placed on the altar and grave to coax the souls of the dead out of their graves.
This tradition began because sugar production was high in Mexico, and there were not many ways to create an inexpensive piece of art. Sugar skulls were made because it was easy and inexpensive. The tradition originated from there, and today is what is still revered as an essential part of Mexican history.
4. Some people celebrate with kites.
Another tradition on the Day of the Dead is to fly a kite during the celebration. Traditionally, the kite takes up to 40 days to create, and all natural materials are used to create the perfect kite.
In the early stages, unmarried men of the community step in: they collect bamboo to make a frame. Further, the rest of the kite can only be made from natural materials. Kite launched into the sky on the day of celebration.
Kites are considered a way to communicate with the dead and a sign that they can see and which will show them the way to various celebrations. It is also another beautiful element that adds a lot of color and splendor to an already vibrant tradition.
3. The Day of the Dead is considered a religious holiday.
The Day of the Dead is considered a national holiday in Mexico. This is probably one of the main differences between it and Halloween. Usually when a certain holiday is considered national, it means that government agencies, as well as many enterprises stop their work on this day.
When this holiday comes, many cities actually "stop" to allow everyone to celebrate the Day of the Dead. This means that it is also studied and celebrated in public schools. The religious elements of the holiday are not talked about, but children no doubt still celebrate the Day of the Dead at school.
This holiday is also included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This means that this is a significant holiday and celebration, and not just something fun and shameless like Halloween.
2. Butterflies are believed to be the souls of the dead.
Butterflies are something that we do not see too often, but that constantly flies somewhere around. Butterflies are often thought to be the souls of the dead returning to their homes to visit relatives. However, this does not apply to all butterflies, but primarily to monarch butterflies (Danaida monarch). This is because monarch butterflies tend to migrate to Mexico by the first of November, just in time for the Day of the Dead.
Butterflies are another beautiful and colorful image that is part of this bright holiday. The migration of monarchs is still a mystery in itself. It seems a bit surprising that these two events happen so close together in time.
However, it is worth remembering that the Day of the Dead actually originated in the summer, before the migration of monarch butterflies. But many ancient Aztecs still believed that the souls of the dead returned to the living in the form of butterflies.
1. This holiday has some sinister elements.
While the Day of the Dead is considered a vibrant and colorful celebration of the lives of the dead, there is no doubt that it has some macabre elements as well. Much of this is partly due to the fact that some of the traditions and customs of Halloween have seeped into many other cultures, and Halloween is a holiday associated with everything sinister.
There's something so eerie about the thought of dead loved ones coming home that some people get really shaky. The most remarkable and memorable story during the celebration of the Day of the Dead tells of La Llorona.
"Weeping Woman" or "Weeper" is a young woman who killed her children to please her lover, who did not need them. Then she finds out that he really wasn't going to stay with her anyway, and commits suicide by drowning. On the Day of the Dead, she returns to collect the souls of dead children.
People who are not familiar with Mexican culture, when visiting this country, are shocked by the abundance of skulls and skeletons. Tourists are offered brightly colored skulls as souvenirs and skull-patterned fabrics. These terrible symbols of death can be seen on national holidays. Even in clothing and hat stores there are mannequins that look like skeletons.
To understand the origin of the Mexican death cult, one has to turn to the history of this country.
Origins of the death cult
In the Middle Ages, the Aztec empire existed on the territory of modern Mexico. In the culture of this people, unlike in Europe, death has never been a taboo subject. The Aztecs were no less concerned about their posthumous fate than the Christians, only the conditions for entering heaven in their religion were different. Warriors who died in battle and women who died during childbirth could count on a happy posthumous fate. Those who died peacefully in old age were met in the afterlife by the god Mictlantecuitli, wearing a mask in the form of a skull, and doomed the soul to complete destruction.
Such beliefs made us value life as much as possible and coax death with sacrifices so that it would not rush to take a person. Thus was born the cult of death, inherited by modern Mexican culture from the Aztecs.
Death cult received new impetus during the civil war that began in 1920, which required heroic self-sacrifice from many Mexicans.
In modern Mexican culture, a special attitude towards death persists. The Mexicans call her "Black Lady", "Holy Death" and even "beloved" or "bride".
The day of the Dead
The quintessential Mexican death cult is the Day of the Dead, celebrated on November 1-2. Here there is an interaction of two traditions - pagan and Christian.
The Aztecs had two festivals of the dead: Mikkailuitontli was dedicated to dead children, and Socotuetzi to adults. These holidays were combined with All Souls' Day, which the Catholic Church celebrates on November 2 - immediately after All Saints' Day. The indigenous people of Mexico rethought Christian customs: they perceived prayers for the dead as an appeal to the dead themselves, and alms, which Christians usually give for the dead, were considered sacrifices to the dead themselves.
The tradition of celebrating the Day of the Dead was picked up by immigrants from Europe and is preserved in modern Mexico. On November 1 and 2, Mexicans not only visit the graves of their loved ones, but also arrange solemn processions and turn to the Lady of Death with a request to grant health, happiness and quickly pick up enemies. Children these days are given sugar skulls and chocolate coffins.
Mexican skull tattoo - the choice is clearly not for everyone. If the skulls themselves look gloomy enough, then what about those that ... are decorated with bright colors?
For "our man" the sight is really unusual, but in Mexico the sugar skull is one of the national symbols with its own meaning.
It cannot be said that every bearer of such a tattoo is a native Mexican or a fan of this country. But still, everyone who already wears such a pattern on their body or is just thinking about stuffing it should know the history of the symbol.
The history of the appearance of the symbol
In the US, November 1 is an unremarkable date. Except that it's the day after happy holiday All Saints' Day (better known as Halloween).
While Americans are taking off their holiday decorations and collecting candy wrappers that the kids picked up yesterday, Mexico is getting ready to celebrate something similar. After all, they have November 1 - Day of the Dead (or El Dia de los Muertos).
Despite the frightening name, the essence of the holiday is quite philosophical and there is nothing wrong with it. Just on this day, they honor loved ones who are no longer around.
One of the elements of the obligatory decor is the altars that are erected in honor of the dead. Here they are decorated with these same sugar skulls, the image of which is used in tattoos.
Mexican skulls are part of the creative life and culture of this people (like Russian nesting dolls, for example). Their colorful patterns and vibrant colors have become a trademark known throughout the world. Therefore, it is not surprising that a Mexican skull tattoo is not such a rare occurrence in countries far from Mexico.
What does a Mexican skull tattoo mean?
The Mexican skull tattoo is gradually gaining popularity in many parts of the world.
And everyone can endow the drawing with some kind of meaning:
- strength of mind;
- honor;
- memory of past lives;
- respect for ancestors;
- patronage / protection;
- a talisman that will keep and shelter from death.
Depending on the intent with which you decide to get a tattoo, what sketch design, place and additional elements you can come up with will vary.
Sugar skull in honor of loved ones
If you decide to get such a tattoo in memory of those who are no longer around, do not forget to include some personal attributes of this person in the sketch. It could be their favorite color, the notes of a particular song, even their favorite plant.
The most extreme guys can even ask the tattoo artist to recreate some features of the face of the person to whom the drawing is dedicated in the Mexican skull. However, such a move, of course, can be perceived by others in two ways.
Such a tattoo can be supplemented with the name and / or dates of death of a person right under the sugar skull itself.
Tattoo for yourself
But what if you make such a tattoo for yourself as a protective sign or just a bright and eye-catching drawing? In this case, it is worth adding to the sketch something personal and important for yourself.
Where to place the sugar skull tattoo?
A tattoo with Mexican origin that depicts a "sugar skull" can be located on literally any part of the body. The only thing to build on is the size and detail of the sketch.
Most often, such a pattern can be seen on such a large surface as the back.
But the following options are also possible:
- forearm,
- small miniature on the wrist,
- side and front of the thigh,
- shoulder blades,
- shoulders,
- back of neck,
- caviar.
When choosing a tattoo site, make sure that the area is large enough for the size of the tattoo that you have planned. Small drawings are easier to hide from prying eyes (this is especially important if you decide to fill a sugar skull in honor of deceased loved ones). But large ones can include more details, and in general they look much more spectacular.
Mexican sugar skulls are bright, original, even positive symbols. Not at all like the traditional skulls often used in old school, new school and realism styles.
If you chose such a drawing because of aesthetics, or even put your own important meaning into it, do not think about the opinions of others. The main thing is that the tattoo brings pleasure to you. And, of course, it was performed by a qualified master at the proper level.
Surely many have come across this strange element, which is widely used today. They decorate clothes with it, make jewelry with it, and even use it as a makeup idea for Halloween, photo shoots or theme parties. It can even be seen in the collections of popular designers (for example, Zara, Pull & Bear and the famous skull lover Alexander McQueen).In the people, the painted skull is called by different names. The most common of them are calavera and sugar skull. What does this element mean?
The day of the Dead
The word "calavera" in Spanish means "skull". In Mexico, it symbolizes the Day of the Dead - a holiday that is treated with great respect and honor. The Day of the Dead was the result of a fusion of archaic local culture with the traditions of the Spanish missionaries.
The conquistadors brought to the new continent not only a new religion, but also new customs. Among them was All Saints Day. During the celebration, it was supposed to make donations to the church. According to the teachings of the missionaries, this was supposed to help the souls of the departed find peace.
But the hardened pagans took everything in their own way. Before the arrival of the Europeans, they commemorated the dead twice a year, during holidays, the names of which are better not to try to pronounce out loud: Mikailuitontli and Sokotuetztli. The first of them was supposed to be dedicated to the memories of dead children, the second - to adults. But in the traditions of the indigenous peoples of America, it was supposed not to mourn for those who are no longer in this world, but to rejoice that they found happiness in another. And the fact that this is exactly so, the Indians did not even doubt.
The result of a mixture of pagan and Christian traditions was the appearance of the Day of the Angels and Day of the Dead. They began to be celebrated on November 1 and 2 - All Saints Day. But instead of donations, the Indians began to bring gifts to Christian temples to the deceased relatives and friends themselves. And the belief that death is not grief, but a new beginning, has not gone away. The local population continued to have fun at the funeral feast.
Amusements and festivities were invariably accompanied by an unusual character - Calavera Katrina, who is dressed up in women's dress skeleton. Katrina was decorated with ribbons, flowers, beads - it's a holiday!
Some scholars associate her image with the ancient goddess of death Mictlancihuatl, to whom the ancient Indians at one time brought many human sacrifices.
In honor of Calavera Katrina, the Mexicans also prepare a festive treat - skulls molded from the sweet mass, richly decorated with paintings. In general, this image is widely used in festive paraphernalia, they are decorated with garlands and lanterns, depicted on masks and their own faces.
Many tourists visiting Mexico notice great amount souvenirs with a sugar skull. Over time, he became one of the symbols of the country. But this image is also popular far beyond the borders of Mexico.
This image was also noted by the world-famous company Mattel, from the conveyors of which the famous Barbie doll once descended. The manufacturer came up with and entered into the plot of the series "School of Monsters" a character with Mexican flavor - Skelita Calaveras, whose make-up was made in the best traditions of "de los Muertos". Later, a doll of the same name appeared, which has already been released in several releases today.
Sugar skull occupies a strong position in the art of tattoos. Masters note that today, among all tattoos with skulls, the calavera is confidently in the lead. It is believed that such tattoos endow the owner with stamina, faith in rebirth and optimism, and sometimes they also testify to his conviction that earthly death is not the end at all.
