In Mexico, the name Santa Muerte holds more weight than that of any other deity in history. From cultural celebrations surrounding the figure to temples constructed in her name, Santa Muerte’s significance is an essential part of Mexican folklore.
Although there are conflicts surrounding her status as a saint, Santa Muerte remains one of the most relevant cultural icons in Mexico, reminding everyone that death is something to be celebrated rather than feared.
The 21st-century figure (who is known as both a saint and a demon) is a bony woman with a skull instead of a head. She is typically wearing a cloak and carrying a scythe.
Although Santa Muerte isn’t new, the widespread celebration of the saint of death took decades to catch on. For several centuries, Santa Muerte was hardly acknowledged in Latin America, with altars, memorials, statues, and texts dedicated to her falling into obscurity across the years.
However, in the late 90s and early 2000s, Santa Muerte came back onto the scene with a stronger presence than ever.
Celebrations surrounding death and dying weren’t new in Mexico in the late 20th century, yet she became a significant figure in such events, with many purchasing statues of the saint, getting tattoos of her figure, producing art for her, and praising her on Day of the Dead.
She is now one of the most well-known deities in Mexican culture. However, the Catholic Church is not into glorifying the dead, and the act of having a saint of death goes against all they stand for.
Santa Muerte has become a notorious symbol of disaster, decay, and demonic affiliation for the Catholics. However, Santa Muerte is not so rejected amongst the everyday Mexican citizens.
While many cultures tend to avoid discussions of death, illness, and grief, Mexico is different. Although Santa Muerte may be death personified, she is not feared in Mexican society.
For the Mexicans, she is not a symbol of terror, but one of hope.
