Otherwise known as "Saint Death," this intriguing figure is an unoffical Mexican saint that has been petitioned for love, luck, and protection. Although the Catholic Church to this day refuses to acknowledge Saint Death's existence; this Saint is proported to work miracles for those whom pray and adore her. Saint Death is also worshipped by criminals, thugs, and drug dealers - but also victims of the urban nightmare pray to her for protection and recovery of health, stolen items, or kidnapped family members.
Saint Death is viewed as both male or female by followers, sometimes dressed as a grim reaper with a scythe and scales. Sometimes, "she" is dressed in a long white satin gown with a golden crown. Grim reaper statues are made in red, white, and black - for love, luck, and protection. Offerings to Saint Death are typically roses and tequila. Public shrines of Saint Death are adorned with red roses and bottles of tequila, and Saint Death candles burned in his/her honor. On the border between Mexico and the United States, Saint Death cards, prayer medals, and candles are made and sold to the public.
One resource indicates that the Cult of Saint Death is a recent phenomena that started in the sixties, however; Saint Death may have his/her roots in pre-Christian beliefs of the Aztec Amerindians, under the name of Mictlantecuhtli as the god of death. Similar to other cultures around the world, pre-Christian deities in Mexico are sometimes synthesized as saints.
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http://www.ajc.com/news/content/news/0304/10mexico.html
Le Santisma Muerte - Prayers, Orations, and Novenas
Le Santisma Muerte - Compilations
Le Santa Muerte - The "protector" of criminals
The Saint of Last Resorts