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(or Pan de muerto)

Bread of the Dead, a sweet bread, is baked during Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebrated in Mexico on November 1st and 2nd. However, it can be found in Mexico even from October. Personally my favorite sweet bread.

According to legend, the origins of the Mexican Bread of the Dead trace back to a pre-Hispanic custom of human sacrifice. In this ritual, maidens were offered to the gods, and their still-beating hearts were placed in a pot with amaranth. As a symbol of respect, the people had to bite into the heart. Disgusted by this cannibalistic practice, the conquistadors compelled the natives to replace the heart with a delightful sweet bread.

The rounded or domed top of the bread represents a grave and the tear drops the skulls or crossbones of the deceased ones. Dead bread can be found covered in white sugar, red sugar, sesame seeds, sprinkles, or simply brushed with an egg wash. But the best one is with only sugar.

Dead Bread (Pan de Muerto) Recipe:

1. Place the 4 eggs, margarine, salt and half of the sugar in the mixer bowl. Using the Hook attachment start working the dough for about 2 minutes. Note: I couldn’t find the hook attachment of my mixer but the hook is better for this type of job. Add the All-purpose flour in small amounts alternating with the water. Add the dry active yeast and mix until well combined.
2. Get the dough out of the mixer bowl and place it onto a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let stand in a warm place until it doubles in size. You can see the above picture where the dough is already raised.
3. We take small portions of dough and roll in small logs putting a little pressure with the fingers to form the bones and the shapes od the bread. And paste them with a mix made out of the remaining beaten egg with 1 Tablespoon of water.
4. Transfer buns to oven and bake. Transfer to a wire rack and cool to room temperature.  Once your Pan De Muerto bread has completely cooled, brush with the remaining butter and then dust with sugar.
5. Enjoy.

Believers attribute the worship of a death goddess, La catrina, to the Aztecs, who asserted that she protected their departed loved ones and assisted them in transitioning to the next stages. The Mexican culture deeply embeds the tradition of honoring and celebrating the dead.

The term Catrina became more popular when Diego Rivera depicted him in his painting Sueao de una tarde mailye in the Alameda Central. It shows the Catrina, standing in the foreground, dressed in a feathered hat, a boa and a beautiful dress. She holds the hand of Diego Rivera.

Symbolizes the way Mexican people see death and the afterlife. La Catrina symbolizes the Mexican people’s decision to honor and celebrate the lives of those they’ve lost, instead of focusing on their absence. It’s a different way of interpreting the cycle of life.

Artisans currently fashion Catrinas from two- and three-dimensional materials. These include drawings, prints, paintings, and paper-mâché sculptures, Oaxacan wood carvings, polychromed clay figures, and barro negro black clay pottery. Catrina is often paired with a male dandy skeleton, known as a Catrín.

“Catrin” and “Catrina” have become popular costumes during Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico and elsewhere. They typically feature calavera (skull) make-up. The male counterpart to the Catrina, wears the same skull makeup and black clothes, often a formal suit with a top hat or a mariachi costume. A cane might also be part of the costume. Catrinas is dressed in black, white, or purple.

Medicinal Plants of Mexico repertoire is one of the world’s most diverse and contains various native mexican plants, as well as many other species introduced from diverse parts of the globe. Approximately 3,000 to 5,000 plants (both native and introduced).

Medicinal plant healing practices persist through conquest, colonization, and the professionalization of Mexican medicine, relying on oral transmission and eschewing the need for documentation.

Árnica: For bruises, contusions (topically), or as a tea for gargles for sore throat.

Bugambilia: it combats dry cough, reduces fever, and helps eliminate mucus from the upper respiratory tract. It improves the respiratory system by promoting the proper functioning of the lungs and oxygenation of the body.

Thyme: is an excellent antibiotic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, digestive, antiseptic, antifungal, and diuretic.

Its small leaves produce an essential oil that strengthens the respiratory passages when applied to the chest, throat, temples, neck, and the soles of the feet, primarily.

Aloe Vera:Speeds up the healing process of a wound, serves as an analgesic for muscular, rheumatic, dental, and migraine pains; just take or apply the gel to the affected area.

Basil: The essential oil of this plant, particularly, contributes to its biological activity, providing digestive, carminative, spasmolytic properties, along with antiseptic effects (against bacteria and parasites), insecticidal, and sedative qualities.

Guava: They possess antiseptic qualities and are employed in treating diarrhea, acne, and pimples. Guava leaves shield the skin from harm caused by free radicals, preventing photoaging. With their diuretic attributes and abundant potassium, guava leaves are effective in preventing fluid retention, which leads to swelling. The act of chewing these leaves can provide relief from toothaches and mouth ulcers. (Important fruit in the piñata also)