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Literary Calavera
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The Literary Calavera or calavera literaria (Spanish: literary skull) is a traditional Mexican literary form: a satirical or light-hearted writing in verse, often composed for the Day of the Dead.[1][2] In some parts of Mexico, it is a common tradition for children and adults to write "Calaveritas" (Spanish: little skull) for friends, colleagues, or relatives, in which the addressee is typically portrayed as dead.
History
[edit]Initially known as panteones, these verses had their origin in the 19th century as mocking epitaph and a way of expressing ideas or feelings that in other occasions might be difficult to express.[3][2] For this reason they were often censored or destroyed, since they also often served as a means to express political satire.[3][2] The first calaveras were published in 1879, in the newspaper El Socialista, of Guadalajara.[2]
Features
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Argüelles, Juan Domingo (2 November 2003). "La adulteración de las calaveras". La Jornada en línea. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
- ^ a b c d González, Carmen (16 October 2008). "Son las calaveras literarias una manifestación de la cultura popular". El Sol de Tlaxcala. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
- ^ a b Marroquín, Fausto Martínez. ""Calaveritas", una hermosa y casi desaparecida tradición". México desconocido. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
- ^ "Qué es una calavera literaria | Calaveras Literarias". calaveras-literarias.com. 5 October 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
- ^ "Características de las calaveras literarias | Calaveras Literarias". calaveras-literarias.com.mx. 26 October 2013. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
Literary Calavera
View on GrokipediaLiterary calaveras, known in Spanish as calaveras literarias or calaveritas literarias, are short satirical poems originating in Mexico that humorously envision the death of living individuals, frequently targeting public figures or politicians through witty critique and rhyme.[1][2] These verses emerged in the mid-19th century as mock epitaphs, initially termed panteones, serving as a medium for expressing social commentary and personal sentiments under the guise of posthumous tribute.[3] The tradition gained prominence during the Mexican Revolution, where calaveras were employed to lampoon dictator Porfirio Díaz and the elite, blending humor with political dissent in a culturally resonant form tied to Día de Muertos observances.[4] Illustrated often with skeletal motifs inspired by engraver José Guadalupe Posada's works, such as the iconic La Catrina, these poems emphasize irreverence toward death and authority, featuring rhythmic structures that mimic tombstones or candy skulls.[5][6] Their enduring appeal lies in democratizing satire, allowing everyday participants to craft personalized verses that deflate pretensions without direct confrontation, a practice that continues annually in Mexican communities worldwide.[7]
