Letter from the Editors
By Nicole & Erikka
We welcome you back to this celebratory issue of SOUP! This month, we’re exploring the celebration of the Day of the Dead, a holiday in relation to All Souls’ Day (sorry Tom) or All Saints' Day.
With the cover design of this issue, we’re sure you didn’t have much trouble guessing what this would all be about. Though the practice of this has become somewhat of a trend, particularly by those with an interest in makeup artistry, sugar skulls are one of the staple pieces for this celebration. Sugar skulls and marigolds are more than just lovely or interesting things to admire. For this, they are actually used to honor the dead.
Dia de los Muertos is recognition of the souls lost to this world. The deceased are welcomed to return for a visit with the encouragement of the people. This is accomplished with gifts like the favorite beverage or food of the deceased. The graves of the departed are decorated with photographs and personal trinkets, though sometimes altars are built for their sake at the site with these things as well. Overall, this is a great show of love and care for those we have unfortunately lost. It is an honor to their memory and is done in support of their way in the afterlife.
Our writers will surely leave you well prepared to celebrate. Learn of the myth of Caterina and the accurate symbol of her transformation in the new portion of Spirit Animals. Then, follow along in this month’s Crafty Corner to learn how to apply your sugar skull makeup just in time for the festivities.
Now, I have to say, the thought and consideration put into all of this is quite overwhelming. While people like our dear Tom have no hope in their souls being welcomed back (and that’s his own dang fault), people like us do. So, for future reference, you guys can bring me steak and spaghetti…oh and some tea. I’m pretty sure Nicole will just request coffee and dark chocolate, but I don’t want to deal with her caffeine craze while trying to get through my spiritual journey. But fortunately for you all, you don’t even have to wait until I’m long gone. You are totally free to send me food now and welcome me to visit (hint hint).
Until next time,
Nicole & Erikka