Inspired By: The Day of the Dead

The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a holiday celebrated primarily in Mexico on November 1st and 2nd. The holiday is about praying for and remembering family and friends who had passed away. Traditions include building altars to honor the dead using sugar skulls, marigolds, candles, and the favorite foods of the deceased.

Skulls

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The skull decorations that are so widely known became popular after Jose Guadalupe Posada did a zinc etching in 1910 of a skeleton wearing a flower-adorned hat. The etching is called La Calavera Catrina, or The Elegant Skull {see it here}. It is now an iconic image throughout Mexico and the world. To really get into the theme of the holiday, go for a skull print dress or top, and don't be afraid of color.

Marigolds

Marigolds are known as "the flower of the dead" and are an important symbol for the festivities because the scent is believed to attract the souls and draw them to the altars that were created for them. Dress as the beautiful, sun-like flower with a yellow floral tunic and boots or a coral high-low dress with a fun floral headband.

Cemeteries

It's customary for the family to spend several days cleaning and decorating the graves of the dead with candles, flowers, skulls, food, and photographs. Usually the family stays around the grave at night, praying, reading poems, and telling each other funny anecdotes about the family member or friend. The point of it is to encourage the souls of the dead to visit the grave to see that they are being remembered. Wear an outfit inspired by the glow of the candles with a white dress and metallic accents. Or go dark, as inspired by the cover of night, with a black and gray sweater dress, tombstone ring, and skull-embellished flats.

Happy Day of the Dead!

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(Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9)