What Do The Colors Of The Makeup Mean For Day Of The Dead?
The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and in other locations around the world where Mexican communities exist. The holiday focuses on remembering friends and family members who have died, and helping support their spiritual journey. Celebrations occur on November 1st and 2nd, coinciding with the Catholic holidays of All Saints Day and All Souls Day.
One of the most iconic aspects of Day of the Dead celebrations is the skeleton face makeup, called calavera makeup or sugar skull makeup. The striking designs decorate the faces of revelers during parades and events. The calavera designs are frequently decorated with colorful flowers, designs, and embellishments. Each aspect of the makeup has a symbolic meaning.
White Face Paint
White face paint holds special meaning in Day of the Dead celebrations. It represents spirit, hope, and purity (Source). The white skull makeup symbolizes the deceased’s soul or spirit. It conveys that their spirit lives on and is being honored.
Applying a white base coat to the face is the starting point for many Day of the Dead makeup looks. This white canvas represents the transition from life to death. The white skull then forms the centerpiece that is decorated with other symbolic colors and designs.
White faces are often painted on memorials called calaveras or sugar skulls. These skulls bear the name of the deceased. The white color signifies the purity and hope their spirit continues on. Overall, white face paint holds deep meaning in Dia de los Muertos traditions.
Black Face Paint
Black face paint is one of the most common colors used for Day of the Dead makeup. It has a somber, powerful meaning, representing grief, mourning, and paying tribute to the deceased. According to a story on Allure, “Black represents sadness and grief” (Source). The dark shade signifies mourning and honoring those who have passed away. As explained on the Rocky Mountain PBS blog, “For example, black can represent mourning” when used in Day of the Dead makeup (Source). People painting their faces black for the holiday aim to channel the somber tone and emotions of missing their deceased loved ones.
Red Face Paint
Red face paint is one of the most commonly seen colors used for Day of the Dead makeup. It represents blood, life, and energy according to Mexican traditions (Source). The vibrancy of the red color symbolizes the vitality of life and is meant to welcome the visiting spirits. Oftentimes, red designs will be painted around the mouth and eyes. This is both symbolic, representing the lively energy from within, as well as Visual, emphasizing and accentuating the main facial features.
According to some experts, red Day of the Dead makeup helps living celebrants embrace life while honoring the dead. The bold red designs contrast with the skull white base to create an image that honors both life and death (Source). Overall, red face paint is an integral part of Day of the Dead makeup that represents the vibrancy of life and provides a striking visual contrast to the skeletal designs.
Purple Face Paint
Purple face paint is commonly used in Day of the Dead makeup to represent grief and mourning, especially for those who died young or tragically. This somber color evokes sadness and loss, which are central themes of the holiday as families honor and remember deceased loved ones.
According to an article on No Hurry to Get Home, “Purple symbolizes mourning and grief, a crucial aspect of honoring the deceased.” https://nohurrytogethome.com/day-of-the-dead-colors-and-symbols/
Purple tear shaped designs trailing from the eyes are a recognizable motif used to represent crying for those who have passed on. The vibrant purple tones remind viewers of the solemnity of death, while also celebrating the memories of loved ones.
Pink Face Paint
Pink face paint is often used to represent celebration and joy during Dia de los Muertos. The vibrant pink color symbolizes the festive spirit of the holiday as families gather to remember and honor their deceased loved ones. According to Allure, pink signifies “happiness” and a lively celebration of life rather than mourning (www.allure.com).
When painting faces pink for Day of the Dead, it represents welcoming the spirits back with bright joy. The pink tones liven up the facial designs and sugar skull makeups worn during the multi-day event. Just like the colorful marigold flowers that line the graveyards, pink face paint reminds viewers that Dia de los Muertos ultimately celebrates life and legacy.
Orange Face Paint
In the Day of the Dead makeup, orange face paint represents the sun and light. Orange symbolizes the warmth and energy provided by the sun that illuminates the spirits’ path as they return to visit their loved ones (https://nohurrytogethome.com/day-of-the-dead-colors-and-symbols/). The vibrant orange tones are meant to evoke the rays of sunlight guiding souls back for this important holiday.
Orange makeup is often used on the face in simple designs or as a base layer underneath other decorative elements. The striking color pays tribute to the sun’s role in reuniting families. It reminds both the living and the dead that light perseveres even in darkness.
Gold Face Paint
Gold face paint represents the sun and light in Day of the Dead celebrations. According to lovetoknow.com, gold symbolizes the light and positivity of the soul. Gold designs are often painted around the eyes or the center of the face to signify illumination and happiness.
Gold also represents wealth and prosperity. Painting gold accents onto the face is connected to the Marigold flowers that are commonly used to decorate Day of the Dead altars. The marigold or “cempasúchil” represents the sun and light guiding souls back to visit their loved ones.
Examples of gold Day of the Dead makeup looks include golden suns around the eyes, golden mandalas on the cheeks, or golden dots and shapes accented throughout the rest of the facial designs.
Silver Face Paint
Silver face paint holds special meaning in Day of the Dead makeup. It is used to represent stars, moonlight, and the sparkling qualities of the spiritual realm. According to one source, “Day of the Dead Silver Skull Jewellery – Cavendish French,” silver is connected to the glittering stars and moon in the night sky that spirits traverse on their journey back for this holiday.
The silver paint is often applied around the eyes or on the forehead. This guides the spirits and illuminates their path, helping them find their way home. It can also represent the wisdom and enlightenment of ancestors being passed down.
In addition to face paint, silver skull motifs and jewellery are popular. The elegant skull image, called La Calavera Catrina, will frequently incorporate silver decorations. Silver evokes the sacredness of the holiday and the reverence for those who have passed on.
Conclusion
The colors used in Day of the Dead makeup hold deep meaning and symbolism. White face paint represents the spirit world and hope for the afterlife. Black represents grief, mourning and acknowledgement of death. Red symbolizes blood and life itself. Purple signifies pain, grief, and sorrow. Pink conveys celebration. Orange signifies the sun and a new day. Gold represents the light and wealth of the spirit world. Silver recalls the memories and brightness of life. The varied colors come together in Day of the Dead face painting to honor the cycle of life, death, and remembrance.
