But for embrace something, you have to understand it and support its significance.

So, what is the Day of the Dead and how does the sugar skull fit into the festivities?

Today, Dia de los Muertos begins on the evening of October 31st.

person holding a sugar skull head in her hands

Carolyn Lagattuta/Stocksy

The altars consist of many items that are well-considered with the dead loved ones in mind.

One of the items almost always displayed somewhere among the items of the ofrenda is the sugar skull.

What is the history and significance of this popular icon?

sugar skull tattoo

@luck_n_allie_tattoo/ Instagram

@pt78tattoo/Instagram

How Are They Made?

Sugar skulls are made from very few ingredients - sugar, meringue powder, and water.

The mixture is pressed into a mold and allowed to dry, creating a plain white three-dimensional skull.

day of the dead tattoo

@chronicink/Instagram

The artistic part of sugar skull creation is how it’s decorated once the molded skull is formed.

Icing in numerous bright colors is used to trim the eyes and adorn the head and face.

But not all decorations are edible.

day of the dead tattoo

@pt78tattoo/Instagram

Then they’re placed on the ofrenda along with all the other honorary gifts.

Artists have enjoyed the use of the skull as an artistic platform for centuries.

As with any tattoo, the only rule of thumb is to never copy someone else’s idea.

black sugar skull tattoo on someone’s arm

@georgia.april.art

Come up with your own and it will have a lot more meaning for you in the long run.