Día de Muertos is almost upon us and we’re getting ready to celebrate—with some deep spoiling.
The celebration, typically celebrated between November 1st and 2nd, is a unique time when the living and the dead supposedly reunite. Unlike other mourning rituals, this occasion is marked by celebration, as families come together to honor their departed loved ones.
Lush, the renowned fresh, handmade cosmetics company, has once again captivated the world with its latest collection. It’s dedicated to honoring the ancient Mexican tradition of Día de Muertos. This year’s range is a testament to the brand’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, as it showcases the creativity and passion of its employees through the Co-Create program.
A Celebration of Life and Death: Key Symbols of Mexican Legend
The 2024 Día De Muertos collection features several key symbols from Mexican folklore, each imbued with deep cultural significance. One such symbol is the Cempasúchil. This vibrant orange and yellow marigold said to have been given to humanity by the Sun god Tonatiuh as a tribute to the dead. These beautiful flowers are used to adorn ofrendas and create pathways that guide the spirits back to the earthly realm.
With the shower gel and bath bomb, you’ll feel this flower’s radiant magic as you indulge in a symphony of smells. Gio Alvarado from Lush’s shop in Westfield UTC, San Diego co-created a shower gel for the collection.
“Cempasúchil Shower Gel is inspired by the cempasúchil flowers that are used to decorate ofrendas for Día de Muertos. The Aztecs believed their ancestors used the scent of the flower to find their way back to their loved ones,” he explains. “Today, they are still used for the same purpose, making beautiful crafted garlands and using petals to make pathways or bridges to guide the spirits back home.”
Another prominent symbol is the monarch butterfly, which represents the souls of deceased loved ones returning home from the spiritual world. The migration of these butterflies coincides with Día De Muertos, making them a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between life and death.
A Co-Created Masterpiece bringing Latina spirit to the brand
The collection also features a stunning Alebrijes knot wrap, designed by Carolina Monterrubio, a Mexican illustrator passionate about feminism and veganism. Alebrijes are mythical creatures from Mexican folklore, believed to guide souls on their journey to the afterlife. Monterrubio’s intricate design captures these fantastical beings’ vibrant colors and whimsical forms, paying homage to Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.
“This artwork pays homage to Mexico’s rich cultural tradition and heritage,” she says. “The Alebrijes, mystical and colorful beings, have been my greatest source of inspiration. In Mexican cosmology, they are perceived as spiritual beings that accompany us beyond life, guiding us on our journey to the world of the dead or on our traverse in the land of the living. Their powerful presence makes them important elements in contemporary offerings, where it is believed they facilitate the transit of souls between different planes of existence. I have also tried to infuse my work with a very colorful style, thinking that, although we honor death, it is essential to celebrate life and its vitality.”
Ana Oviedo and Ro De La Monja are two Co-Create inventors who also worked on a number of products in this range, including the Xolo bath bomb,
Lush’s 2024 Día De Muertos collection is a testament to the brand’s dedication to celebrating diverse cultures and traditions. Through its innovative products and commitment to social responsibility, Lush continues to inspire and delight customers around the world.