Day of the Skulls in Bolivia

Every year in November, Bolivians celebrate an unusual holiday called "Day of the Skulls" or "Natitas". On this day, the inhabitants of Bolivia bring the skulls of their relatives to the cemetery for consecration, which they carefully keep at home. Bolivians are sure that the skulls of deceased relatives bring them good luck and are protective talismans.

(Total 20 photos)

1. In Bolivia, a country that has preserved and transformed the traditions of the Indians, there are many strange “Catholic” rites. For example, on November 8, a holiday known as the Day of the Skulls, or "Natitas Day" was celebrated here.

2. Bolivians believe that by keeping the skulls of their deceased relatives as amulets and blessing them once a year in November, they thereby become more fortunate.

3. According to experts, the Day of the Skulls is a symbiosis of Indian rituals practiced here in the pre-Hispanic era, with Catholic beliefs.

4. On the day of the holiday, skulls are decorated with flowers, wreaths, beads, sunglasses, and in general, everything that is enough for imagination.

5. During the holiday, grateful descendants also “treat” the skulls, bringing them alcoholic drinks, cigars and coca leaves.

6. It is believed that in Natitas the souls of the dead return to earth, and in order for them to bring good luck, it is necessary to get their skulls and place them at the entrance to the house.

8. Bolivians believe that a person has seven souls and one of them remains in the skeleton after burial. When other souls have gone to heaven, the remains of the dead are dug up, the skulls are brought home and taken care of. If not taken care of, a skull can bring misfortune to a family, cause a poor harvest, and even destroy a family. But if the skull is properly cared for, the skull will provide protection to the family. Once a year, the skulls are taken outside and sent with them, usually to the city cemetery.

9. The Bolivian Catholic Church has urged believers to stop using paraphernalia in the form of human skulls during the celebrations, as the tradition originates from the occult practices.

10. Archbishop of La Paz Edmund Abastoflor warns that many skulls actually belong to unknown people. Sometimes they are obtained as a result of the desecration of graves, after which they are stored, presented as a gift or even sold. The archbishop urged those who practice the Andean ritual to let the dead rest in peace.

eleven.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.