Spice Exchange Day of the Dead Pepper Sauce, Collection

A collection of fine pepper sauces. A celebration of life. The cavalera (the skeleton) represents a whimsical look at death as part of the circle of life. Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos November 2 is a Mexican Holiday celebrating a belief in the circle of life. Death is a part of life and is not to be feared. Depictions of cavaleras (skeletons) doing fun or everyday activities is a whimsical not macabre way of portraying death as a continuance, not an ending. Rooted in Aztec tradition and influenced by Catholic teachings the holiday is a way to pay respects to all those who are gone but not forgotten. At night people congregate in the cemeteries to offer kind words, prayers, flowers, food and drink at each grave. In their homes, Ofrendas or altars (see other side for more specifics) are built as a memorial to those dearly departed. This colorful and cheerful holiday is observed countrywide and attracts many tourist especially in the state of Oaxaca, which is famous for its illustrious and extravagant Dia de los Muertos celebrations. The Ofrenda (Altar) of the Day of the Dead: Ofrendas are built to welcome back the dead with familiar things they cherished. They begin with photographs of the departed and cherished bits of their memorabilia. Food and drink are offered and a special sweet bread (pan de muertos) shaped like skulls are made. The skeleton (cavalera) is a major part of this altar. Paper crafts (papel picado), sugar cubes, and figurines (calacas) are placed all about the ofrenda and depict the cavaleras as smiling and laughing while doing the things they did in their lives. Marigolds and other flowers adorn these altars along with candles and statues of Saints (Santos). Product of USA.