The Saint Death Collection
Santa Muerte is the Mexican interpretation
of our own beloved Angel of Death.She is a deity or saint-like figure
worshiped and venerated in Mexico, a syncretism between Mesoamerican
and Catholic beliefs. The name literally translates to “Saint Death.”
Mexican culture since pre-Hispanic times has always maintained a certain
reverence towards Death, which can be seen in the widespread Mexican
celebration of the Day of the Dead.
Santa Muerte generally appears as a skeletal figure, clad in a long
robe and carrying one or more objects, usually a scythe and a globe.
As the worship of this deity was clandestine until recently, most prayers
and other rites were done privately in the home. However, for the past
ten years or so, worship has become more public, especially in Mexico
City. The number of believers in the deity has grown over the past ten
to twenty years, to approximately two million followers in Mexico and
has crossed the border into Mexican communities in the United States.
Mesoamerica had always maintained a certain reverence towards Death,
which manifested itself among the religious practices of ancient Mexico,
including in the religion of the Aztecs. Death became personified in
Aztec and other cultures in the form of humans with half their flesh
missing, symbolizing the duality of life and death. The Aztecs inherited
from their ancestors the gods Mictlantecuhtli and Mictecacihuatl, the
Lord and Lady of Mictlan, the realm of the dead. In order for the deceased
to be accepted into Mictlan, offerings to the Lord and Lady were necessary.
Many of the offerings given then are the same as those offered to Santa
Muerte today.
As of 2009 devotion to Santa Muerte has been on the rise in the United
States for the past ten years or so, mostly following the thousands
of Mexicans who have immigrated to the country. Evidence of devotion
to her can be seen anywhere there is a large Mexican community, such
as New York City, Houston, Tucson and Los Angeles. There are fifteen
officially registered religious groups dedicated to her in Los Angeles
alone, which includes the Temple of Santa Muerte. Many are true believers,
but a number identify with the image for cultural heritage reasons.
For this reason, young people, housewives and grandmothers now purchase
the icon and speak publicly about their faith. As in Mexico, the Catholic
Church in the United States is trying to combat the worship of the deity,
especially in Chicago. But compared to the Catholic Church in Mexico,
the reaction in the U.S. is mostly either non-existent or muted.
Angel of Death Statues
These are very, very unique and beautiful hand painted
and limited edition items. Hand-crafted in Mexico by "Rick",
replete with charms and Milagros imbedded into the base and the underside
of the statue. Available in either black or bone, they stand 16"
tall and are quite impressive! We do not know how long we are able to
obtain these, so if you want one, now is the time before they're all
gone! Click on the images for a close-up view.
$50.00 (plus $10.00 for Domestic shipping) overseas, please inquire.
Santa Muerte Rosaries
Another unique find, features 8 skull beads and
two Santa Muerte medallions incorporated into a traditional silver plated
rosary. It comes with a Novena booklet (in Spanish only).
Click on the image for a close-up.
$20.00
Santa Muerte Tarot Deck
A most unique collectable Santa Muerte Tarot Deck from Mexico along
with instruction booklet
(in Spanish)
$20.00
Now made available in English due to the growing popularity of Saint
Death in the English speaking world. This introductary practical spell
book discusses the meaning of colours associated with Holy Death, offerings,
rites, prayers and how to consecrate an altar.
$15.00
Any of the above items may also be ordered by
clicking HERE
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More items to come! Please stay tuned!
