<P> The tradition of sugar skulls is for families to decorate their loved ones' ofrendas with both large or small handmade sugar skulls . Small sugar skulls represent the children who have died, which is celebrated on November 1 . While the larger sugar skulls represent the adults with the celebration taking place on the following day, November 2nd . It is believed that the departed return home to enjoy the offering on the altar . </P> <P> In pre - Columbian times the images of skulls and skeletons were shown often in paintings, pottery, etc. representing rebirth into the next stage of life . During the 20th century a political caricaturist named Jose Guadalupe Posada became famous for making Calaveras as vain skeletons dressed in the clothing of the wealthy . The most famous one was Catrina, wearing a feathery hat, fancy shoes and a long dress . Catrina is considered to be the personification of The Day of the Dead . These skeletons are created from many materials such as wood, sugar paste varieties, types of nuts, chocolate, etc . When used as offerings, the name of the deceased is written across the forehead of the skull on colored foil . </P> <P> Traditional production methods have been in use since roughly the 15th century CE . The process involves using molds to cast the calaveras . Production can be a lengthy process . A creator will usually spend roughly four to six months producing the skulls for a season . Traditionally - made sugar skulls are considered folk art and are not meant to be consumed . </P> <P> The production process is more focused on the aesthetic appeal of the skull than on the taste or food safety of the product . Furthermore, many calaveras feature inedible decorations, such as beads, feathers, and foil . Some skulls were formerly decorated with sombreros, though these designs have mostly disappeared since the 1970s . The calaveras are then traditionally sold at outdoor market stalls beginning two weeks before the Day of the Dead . </P>

Who made up the day of the dead