The Tradition of El Dia de Los Muertos

This whimsical image of a skeleton playing a guitar is one of many similar portrayals of skeletons enjoying life that are used during celebrations of the holiday , El Dia de los Muertos. Originating in Mexico but now found throughout the Americas, this holiday represents a blending of early Mexican celebrations and the new religion brought from Spain in the 16th century. All Saints and All Souls days fall roughly at the same time of year that the traditional Mexican festivities for the dead occurred, which explains why the holiday coincides with All Saints and All Souls days. As old customs were incorporated into the new religion brought by the Spaniards, El Dia de los Muertos became a time to both reflect on the meaning of life and to enjoy the presence of the ancestors. Rather than being a frightening symbol, the skeletons of this holiday are joyously represented. 
Skulls on rosaries are an ancient tradition in Europe and are becoming increasingly well known and used in modern times. Many people appreciate the symbolism of both El Dia de los Muertos and rosaries with skulls. The skull on a rosary is a contemplative tool, reminding those in prayer of man's brief earthly life and Jesus' victory over death.
You can find the following rosaries on The Sacred Bead and The SacredBead2 on Etsy.

 Antique inlaid crucifix, natural rust sponge coral and small carved bone skulls complete this interesting handmade rosary.

 Large antique skull and crossbones crucifix, bone and resin amber beads and tiny carved bone skull beads makeup this intriguing rosary.

 The center and crucifix are hand made bronze pieces, cast from antiques.

 Unique skulls made of large seeds with gorgeous natural rust sponge coral beads highlight this lovely rosary.

Skull Rosaries

Although most of The Sacred Bead's customers come to enjoy the antique rosary beads, I have been getting requests for more skull rosaries- the two I had sold long ago and haven't been replaced yet. I am currently working on making some gorgeous ones and will have them on the website by the end of August.
I see many questions online about what and why skulls are placed on rosaries, as people have forgotten the long tradition in Europe of placing a skull on a rosary. Known as a momento mori, the skull is there as a contemplative tool for remembering our mortality and as a reminder of Christ's triumph over death. Antique rosaries used by priests and nuns in Europe frequently had skulls on them for this reason. Most of these beautiful antique rosaries are quite rare and thus very expensive. As an more affordable alternative, modern rosaries made with skull beads make an excellent alternative. I do know that these have become quite popular and are frequently worn; it is not up to me to dictate what you do with a rosary you purchase from The Sacred Bead. Of course, I would love to see them exclusively used in prayer, but I am aware that that may not always be the case. 
As with all my designer rosaries, only the finest materials are used. Several skull rosaries will feature antique and vintage crucifixes. They may have coral, turquoise, or bone beads. The skulls are made from ox bone, palm nuts, magnesite and glass. Each one is unique, so once it is sold, there will never be another made just like it. When making rosaries, I avoid a lot of "fancy," instead I like to highlight the elegance and simplicity of beautiful natural materials.

 Antique and Vintage Crucifixes on Several of the Skull Rosaries.

 Skull beads are ox bone, magnesite and other materials. The ave beads are sea coral, ox bone, turquoise and other fine materials.