Glossary for the Day of the Dead

alfenique — a special confection used to fashion skulls, fruits and other figures.

angelitos — the souls of the children who have died, literally “little angels”

atole — an ancient drink made from corn meal and water flavored with various fruits.

calvera — a skull, also a slang term for “daredevil”

calveras — songs and poems about the festival careta — a face mask

cempazuchitl — a yellow marigold, the symbol of death

copalli — a scented resin used to make candles

mole — a thick sauce made from a variety of ingredients including chilis, sesame seeds, herbs, spices, chocolate/fruit.

Craven, Scott. "A Marriage Of Aztec, Catholic Cultures." Hispanic Times Magazine 24.4 (2001): 16. Academic Search Complete. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.