⛄🎅 Holiday Gifts Options Here!
Chirstmas Gifts Options!
The Origin and Creation of Calaveritas Literarias
The Calaveritas Literarias are a fascinating and humorous tradition that forms part of Mexico's rich cultural tapestry, particularly during the Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. These poetic verses poke fun at death, teasing both the living and the dead, reminding us of the Mexican ethos that sees death not as something to be feared but as a part of life to be embraced with humor and wit.
The Origins of Calaveritas Literarias
The tradition of writing Calaveritas Literarias dates back to the 19th century. These verses were initially written to satirize public figures and the upper class. The first known calaverita appeared in the 1800s as a form of protest against social and political injustices in Mexico. Over time, they became more widespread, evolving into a playful and creative way to honor both the living and the dead during Día de Muertos.
Calaveritas often mock death in a lighthearted way, imagining people (living or dead) in humorous or ironic encounters with the Grim Reaper. They can be written about anyone—from close friends and family to famous celebrities. The verses are usually four to six lines long and have a catchy rhyme scheme, similar to limericks. The tone is playful and mischievous, making fun of life’s inevitable fate while celebrating the uniqueness of each individual.
How Calaveritas Literarias Are Made
Writing a calaverita involves a blend of creativity, cultural awareness, and a good sense of humor. Here’s how you can create your own:
- Pick a Subject: Traditionally, calaveritas are written about someone living. It could be a family member, friend, celebrity, or even yourself! The idea is to humorously imagine their encounter with death in an exaggerated way.
- Decide on the Tone: The tone should always be lighthearted. The goal isn’t to offend but to playfully acknowledge the inevitability of death while highlighting quirks or traits of the person you're writing about.
- Structure the Poem: A typical calaverita is written in quatrains, where each stanza has four lines. The rhyme scheme is usually AABB or ABAB, giving it a rhythmic and musical quality.
- Add Satire and Irony: The best calaveritas poke fun at the subject, exaggerating their habits or personality traits. For example, if your subject is known for being late, you might joke that even death is waiting impatiently for them!
Here’s a simple example:
"There went Don Pedro, always late,
Even Death had to sit and wait.
But when he arrived, with his famous grin,
The Reaper said, 'Finally, let’s begin!'”
The Visual Calaveritas
Besides the literary form, calaveritas also exist in visual form as sugar skulls. These brightly colored, edible skulls are part of the Día de Muertos altars and represent the sweetness of life. The process of making these calaveritas de azúcar involves a mixture of sugar, water, and meringue powder, which is poured into skull molds and then decorated with colorful icing and embellishments.
Check out our Day of the Death Collection!
-
Original price $66.00Original price $66.00 - Original price $66.00Original price $66.00Current price $49.00$49.00 - $49.00Current price $49.00
Angel De La Guarda White Candle lrg cup - Case - 12 Units
In stockCandle Angel de la Guardia White Large Cup: This product features a white large cup candle adorned with the image of the Angel de la Guardia (Gua...
View full detailsOriginal price $66.00Original price $66.00 - Original price $66.00Original price $66.00Current price $49.00$49.00 - $49.00Current price $49.00Save $17.00 -
Original price $55.00Original price $55.00 - Original price $55.00Original price $55.00Current price $41.00$41.00 - $41.00Current price $41.00
Angel de la Guarda White Candle tall - Case - 12 Units
In stockngel de la Guardia White Candle: This product is a white candle featuring the image of the Angel de la Guardia, a popular guardian angel figure i...
View full detailsOriginal price $55.00Original price $55.00 - Original price $55.00Original price $55.00Current price $41.00$41.00 - $41.00Current price $41.00Save $14.00 -
Original price $2,560.00Original price $2,560.00 - Original price $2,560.00Original price $2,560.00Current price $2,048.00$2,048.00 - $2,048.00Current price $2,048.00
Aztec Xoloitzcuintle Dog - Oaxacan Alebrije Wood Carving
Low stockBeautiful bull alebrije wood carving by top Oaxacan carvers of the Fabian family workshop. Expertly carved out of locally and sustainably sourced ...
View full detailsOriginal price $2,560.00Original price $2,560.00 - Original price $2,560.00Original price $2,560.00Current price $2,048.00$2,048.00 - $2,048.00Current price $2,048.00Save $512.00 -
Original price $464.00Original price $464.00 - Original price $464.00Original price $464.00Current price $371.00$371.00 - $371.00Current price $371.00
Bat - Oaxacan Alebrije Wood Carving
Low stockWhimsical bat alebrije wood carving by Lauro Ramirez & his family workshop in Oaxaca. Great carving with vibrant Zapotec patterns. Origin:...
View full detailsOriginal price $464.00Original price $464.00 - Original price $464.00Original price $464.00Current price $371.00$371.00 - $371.00Current price $371.00Save $93.00 -
Original price $97.00 - Original price $97.00Original price$97.00$97.00 - $97.00Current price $97.00Calaverita De Azucar
In stockDescription This piece is inspired by a very special day for Mexican culture, Día De Los Muertos. Calaverita De Azucar design was inspired by ...
View full detailsOriginal price $97.00 - Original price $97.00Original price$97.00$97.00 - $97.00Current price $97.00 -
Original price $172.00 - Original price $172.00Original price$172.00$172.00 - $172.00Current price $172.00Ceramic - Set of 4 Skull-Shaped Mezcal/Tequila Shot Glasses – Inspired by Mexican Folklore
Low stockEnhance your drinking experience with this unique set of 4 skull-shaped mezcal/tequila shot glasses, crafted with inspiration from the rich and vib...
View full detailsOriginal price $172.00 - Original price $172.00Original price$172.00$172.00 - $172.00Current price $172.00 -
Original price $56.00 - Original price $56.00Original price$56.00$56.00 - $56.00Current price $56.00
Craft by Order - 4 Black Clay "Barro Negro" Tequileros Shots in Form of Skull
Out of stockCrafted by hand with barro negro clay from Oaxaca, this set of 4 mezcaleros or tequileros is perfect for serving shots. Beautifully designed, each ...
View full detailsOriginal price $56.00 - Original price $56.00Original price$56.00$56.00 - $56.00Current price $56.00Sold out -
Original price $127.00 - Original price $127.00Original price$127.00$127.00 - $127.00Current price $127.00
Craft by Order - Black Clay (Barro Negro) 'Calavera' Duo: 'Frida' Catrina & 'Diego' Skull 5.9 Inches
Out of stock4 weeks to recieve this piece is manufacture as soon as you make your order. Immerse yourself in the mystique of Mexico's revered Día de Mue...
View full detailsOriginal price $127.00 - Original price $127.00Original price$127.00$127.00 - $127.00Current price $127.00Sold out -
Original price $70.00 - Original price $70.00Original price$70.00$70.00 - $70.00Current price $70.00Craft by Order - Set of 3 Black Clay Skull Tequilero Shot Glass
Low stockUnique Handmade Tequila and Mezcal Shot Glass with Skull Design Made Out of Black Clay. Add a special and unique touch to your favorite drinks in t...
View full detailsOriginal price $70.00 - Original price $70.00Original price$70.00$70.00 - $70.00Current price $70.00
