I was raised protestant in the middle of America. We don’t have sugar skulls. In fact, I only ever heard of sugar skulls in SL. So when the Flux theme was DAY OF THE DEAD and people started putting out sugar skulls – I went -oh, this is connected?
Since cultural appropriation is a serious trigger for many people, I decided I should probably look up what all this means before I go wearing it. I learned a lot. Most of it creepy (to me).
For instance, did you know that sugar skulls are actually skulls made of sugar? Apparently they put them out or on graves for spirits.
My friend Rayvn Hines and I mused that we want to eat them. I’m not sure this is appropriate. But I have this image of gnawing on one like a zombie after brains. The actual holiday traditions (at least some) pre-date the Europeans coming to Mexico. I suppose things like high infant/child mortality might make you find comfort in November 1 being a day that all the dead children come back to visit their families. Possibly in ancient times, it was a comforting event so I can see making it a celebration – a party for those you love who have returned.
Seriously, it gives me the screaming meemees.
It IS a celebration though. That’s why the bright colors, flowers and adornments on the symbols of death. It’s meant to say don’t be afraid, we can all be together again on these days and hey, SUGAR SKULLS.
I also learned that some of these are made of chocolate.
I’m too white midwestern to full embrace the spirit of the holiday, I don’t want my dead returning, I’d assume they were there for the brains.
But, FLUX is full of celebrations of the Day of the Dead and some are truly stunning like this head dress and ring from The Stringer Mausoleum, and this great dress from Sakide.
Flux runs all month. You can hop that link!
Gidge Is Wearing:
Hair:Amacci Hairbase Tattoo – Vanilla Blond
Body Tattoo:cheLLe – (tattoo) The Living Dead (Blue)
Lashes: Amacci – Eyelash Tattoo 4
Amacci – Eyelash Tattoo 5
Headdress: *The Stringer Mausoleum* Death’s Devotion Headdress – Romance
Ring: *The Stringer Mausoleum* Death’s Devotion Ring – Romance
Nails: Slink Avatar Enhancement Fingernails (ANIM)
Feet: Slink Mesh Feet (Av Enhance) Flat S
Studio: VR Studio HUD
Dress: [ SAKIDE ] Vibrant Death Long Dress Red S
Shape: Gidge ~Savoir Faire Shapes~
Skin: -Belleza- Mya Pale BBB Bl 3
Eyes: *The Stringer Mausoleum* Catscratch Eyes [System] – WW L.E. – Bashful Gidge
Poses: PRETENSE