Meaning Behind Popular Día de los Muertos Symbols (Calaveras, Marigolds, Alebrijes)
We start seeing ads about events and special deals with bright heading Dia de los Muertos somewhere around the fall season. Yes, Every year during fall, when October fades into November, the streets of Mexico and Latino communities around the world come alive with color, music, and celebration.
I strongly believe that Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a vibrant holiday where families honor loved ones who have passed with food, music, and ofrendas (altars). And at the heart of the celebration are powerful symbols that carry deep cultural meaning.
If you’ve ever wondered what calaveras (skulls), marigolds, and alebrijes really represent during Día de los Muertos then today I am going to break it down together in plain language. These aren’t just decorations but in real world they’re stories, memories, and spiritual guides woven into Latino tradition.
👉 Want to dive deeper into the holiday itself? Check out our post on Día de los Muertos history, traditions, and outfit ideas to see how culture and style come together every November.
Calaveras (Sugar Skulls) - Smiling Faces of the Afterlife
When most people think of Día de los Muertos, the first image that pops up is probably a colorful skull. Whether it’s sugar skulls made from candy, painted face art, or graphic designs on t-shirts, calaveras are everywhere. But they aren’t meant to be scary in real Mexican world. If you do not know then they’re quite the opposite.
What they mean:
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Calaveras remind us that death isn’t the end, but it’s simply another part of life’s cycle.
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The big smiles painted on calaveras symbolize joy and laughter, showing that even in death, there’s celebration.
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They’re often decorated with bright flowers, sequins, or glitter to reflect the unique personality of the loved one being honored.
Why they matter:
For Latino families, calaveras keep the memory of ancestors alive with a sense of humor. They tell us: “Hey, don’t be afraid. Celebrate life, celebrate death, and honor the ones who came before you.”
💡 Fun fact: In modern culture, calaveras have also become a bold fashion statement, appearing on everything from tattoos to streetwear. They connect younger generations to traditions in a way that feels stylish and meaningful.
👉 Bring the celebration home with our Día de los Muertos art posters - perfect for honoring tradition while adding bold cultura to your walls.
Marigolds (Cempasúchil) - The Flower of the Dead
If you’ve ever visited a Día de los Muertos altar or parade then you’ve probably seen bright orange and yellow marigolds everywhere. In Spanish language, these flowers are called cempasúchil (pronounced sem-pa-soo-cheel). Their fiery color and strong fragrance aren’t just for looks but they carry a deep sacred meaning.
What they mean:
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Marigolds are believed to guide spirits back to the world of the living.
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Their bright petals act like a spiritual “light” for souls returning to visit their families.
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You will be surprised to know but in Mexican Latin culture, the strong scent of these flower is believe to help lead ancestors home to their ofrendas.
Why they matter:
Marigolds are considered as a spiritual bridge between two worlds. Every petal is like a beacon saying, “This way, abuelita, we’re waiting for you.” Families often use them to decorate pathways, cemeteries, and altars to welcome loved ones with warmth and love.
💡 Fun fact: In Aztec culture, marigolds were considered sacred and connected to the sun, symbolizing life, death, and rebirth. Today, they’re one of the most recognized symbols of Día de los Muertos worldwide.
👉 Light the way for your ofrenda with our Día de los Muertos candles - a meaningful touch to honor and remember loved ones.
Alebrijes - Colorful Spirit Guides
While calaveras and marigolds are traditional especially in Mexican culture, one of the newer symbols of Día de los Muertos is the alebrije. Yes it is brightly painted, fantastical creatures often combining parts of different animals. Think of a dragon with butterfly wings or a jaguar with eagle feathers.
What they mean:
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Alebrijes represent spiritual protectors or guides.
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They’re believed to accompany souls on their journey between the worlds of the living and the dead.
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Each alebrije is unique, reflecting creativity and imagination.
Why they matter:
Alebrijes remind us that spirituality doesn’t have to be rigid or limited to one form. Instead of that spirituality can be colorful, imaginative, and alive. For many families, they symbolize guardianship, especially watching over loved ones as they come and go during Día de los Muertos.
💡 Fun fact: Alebrijes originated in the 1930s when a Mexican artist named Pedro Linares had dreamed of wild, fantastical creatures while ill. Today, they’ve become deeply connected to Día de los Muertos through popular culture and films like Coco.
🎉 Symbols That Connect Us to Life and Legacy
Each of these symbols that I have explained above, calaveras, marigolds, and alebrijes, all of them I strongly believe that they carry their own unique meaning, but together, they create the heart of Día de los Muertos. They remind us that:
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Death is not an ending, but a continuation.
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Family bonds are eternal, even across generations.
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Culture thrives when we honor tradition in fresh, modern ways.
And that’s why Día de los Muertos isn’t just about mourning about the lost loved one, but it’s about celebration, connection, and love. Whether you wear a calavera tee, decorate with marigolds, or add an alebrije to your altar, you’re keeping these traditions alive.
🌟 Symbols With Soul
At House of Locos, we believe culture should be celebrated loudly and proudly. That’s why so many of our designs highlight Día de los Muertos symbols on clothing. We believe that they carry stories worth sharing. From calaveras that laugh in the face of fear, to marigolds guiding abuelitos home, to alebrijes guarding the spirit world, we make designs that is rooted in tradition but styled for today.
👉 Explore our Día de los Muertos Collection and wear your cultura with orgullo (pride). Every shirt, hoodie, and accessory is a way to celebrate ancestors while adding your own modern twist.
