Alebrijes, brightly colored, fantastical creatures, have become an iconic symbol of Día de los Muertos as spirit guides that help the souls of the deceased on their journey between the worlds of the living and the dead. Though originally created as artistic figures by Mexican artist Pedro Linares in the 1930s, alebrijes have since been embraced as part of Mexican folklore and spiritual tradition.
Origins of Alebrijes
Pedro Linares, a paper-mâché artist from Mexico City, first envisioned alebrijes during a fever dream, where he saw fantastical creatures with mixed animal characteristics calling out the word “alebrijes.” After recovering, Linares recreated the creatures he saw in his dream, combining parts of animals such as wings, horns, claws, and tails into imaginative forms. Over time, these colorful creatures became celebrated as representations of the surreal and spiritual.
Role in Día de los Muertos
Alebrijes have been linked with spirit animals, or guides, that assist the souls of the dead on their journey to and from the afterlife. While not traditionally part of the Aztec or indigenous celebrations of Día de los Muertos, modern interpretations have woven alebrijes into the holiday, often viewed as protectors or companions for spirits during their visit to the living world.
Alebrijes are displayed on altars (ofrendas) alongside photos, food, and other offerings for the deceased, symbolizing a connection between the physical and spirit realms. Their vivid designs and bold colors remind us of the joy and beauty that exist even in death.
Symbolism of Alebrijes
Each alebrije is unique, often combining multiple animal forms that symbolize different traits:
The symbolism of alebrijes is rooted in their fantastical combination of animal traits, each part representing various qualities or powers from Mexican cultural beliefs and ancient traditions. These creatures are more than just artistic expressions; they embody the mystical qualities attributed to animals in both pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican spirituality and modern interpretations of spirit guides. Here’s an expanded look at the symbolic meanings behind some of the common animal forms found in alebrijes.
Eagles and Birds
- Symbolism: Vision, Freedom, Spirituality
Eagles and birds in alebrijes often symbolize freedom and the ability to transcend earthly concerns. The eagle, a powerful predator with keen eyesight, represents vision, both literally and spiritually, allowing a person to see beyond the physical world into the spiritual realm.
In Aztec mythology, the eagle was revered as a sacred animal connected to the sun and warriors, symbolizing strength, courage, and ascendancy.
Birds, in general, are linked to communication with the divine and the element of air, representing higher consciousness, inspiration, and the soul’s journey. In the context of Día de los Muertos, birds and eagles in alebrijes can guide spirits to the afterlife or help them find their way back to the world of the living.
Jaguars
- Symbolism: Strength, Courage, Power, Protection
The jaguar is one of the most important animals in Mesoamerican cultures, including the Aztecs and Maya. It symbolizes raw strength, courage, and leadership. In Aztec culture, jaguars were linked to warriors and rulers, often seen as protectors with the ability to move between worlds. They were also associated with the night and the underworld, making them a fitting symbol for death, transformation, and the journey through the afterlife.
As part of an alebrije, the jaguar represents personal power and protection, especially during the soul’s transition from life to death. Jaguars in alebrijes can act as spirit protectors, guarding the souls of the dead as they traverse dangerous spiritual realms.
Reptiles (Snakes, Lizards)
- Symbolism: Transformation, Grounding, Rebirth
Snakes and reptiles in Mesoamerican cultures often symbolize transformation and rebirth due to their ability to shed their skin and grow anew. The snake in particular is a potent symbol of regeneration and connection to the earth, often associated with fertility, the cycle of life and death, and the underworld.
Lizards represent adaptability, agility, and survival. As cold-blooded creatures, reptiles are also linked to the idea of grounding, a balance between the physical world and spiritual realms. In alebrijes, reptiles may help ground the soul and support its renewal or transition in the afterlife.
Lions and Large Cats
- Symbolism: Nobility, Strength, Wisdom
In some alebrijes, large cats like lions or hybrid creatures resembling lions are depicted. These animals are often symbols of leadership, wisdom, and nobility. They represent a sense of calm and assured strength, often depicted as protectors of sacred spaces or as guardians of spiritual truths.
In Día de los Muertos, large cats can symbolize a spirit guide who brings wisdom and insight from the ancestors, connecting the living with their lineage and spiritual heritage.
Butterflies and Moths
- Symbolism: Transformation, the Soul, Fragility of Life
Butterflies and moths are often seen as symbols of the soul and transformation, embodying the concept of metamorphosis and the fleeting, fragile nature of life. In pre-Columbian cultures, butterflies were believed to be the souls of deceased warriors or women who died in childbirth. Their flight between worlds symbolizes the movement between life and death.
As an alebrije, the butterfly or moth represents the beauty of life’s cycles, guiding the soul through its transformations, and signaling rebirth after death.
Dogs (Xoloitzcuintli)
- Symbolism: Loyalty, Guidance, Protection of Souls
The Xoloitzcuintli, a hairless Mexican dog breed, was sacred to the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican peoples. The Xolo was believed to guide the souls of the dead safely through the underworld (Mictlan), leading them on their journey to the afterlife.
As part of an alebrije, dogs, especially Xolos, symbolize loyalty, companionship, and spiritual protection. They help safeguard the spirits of the deceased as they travel back to the world of the living during Día de los Muertos.
Owls
- Symbolism: Wisdom, Death, Transition
Owls are often associated with the mysteries of the night and are seen as messengers of death or transition in many cultures, including Mexican folklore. In ancient Mexico, owls were believed to act as guides for the dead, helping them transition from the earthly world to the afterlife.
In alebrijes, owls symbolize knowledge of the unseen, offering spiritual guidance, wisdom, and insight into the mysteries of life and death.
Dragons and Mythical Creatures
- Symbolism: Power, Magic, the Supernatural
Some alebrijes incorporate mythical creatures like dragons or hybrids of fantastical animals. These beings represent supernatural power, magic, and the ability to transcend ordinary limitations. Dragons, often depicted with wings and fire-breathing abilities, can symbolize transformation through destruction, guarding spiritual treasures, or guiding souls through mystical challenges in the afterlife.
As part of Día de los Muertos, these creatures remind us of the magical, supernatural aspects of existence and the spiritual protection available during the journey between worlds.
Alebrijes are rich in symbolism, blending animals and mythical creatures to represent different aspects of life, death, and the spiritual journey. Each animal part—whether it’s the eagle’s vision, the jaguar’s strength, the snake’s transformation, or the butterfly’s fragility—serves as a reminder of the complexities of existence and the guidance that accompanies us through the cycle of life and death. During Día de los Muertos, these spirit guides serve not only as protectors but as powerful symbols of the connection between the living and the dead.
In Mexican culture, the concept of animal spirit guides is also linked to nahualism, an ancient belief that humans have a spiritual connection to animals, called nahuales, which protect and guide them in life and death.
Alebrijes have grown from their artistic origins into powerful symbols within Mexican culture, especially during Día de los Muertos. They represent the fusion of imagination, artistry, and spiritual belief, serving as vivid companions that guide the spirits of the dead and remind us of the celebration of life and death.
I’ve always been drawn to witchcraft. I grew up feeling somewhat adrift in traditional religious settings but felt entirely at home buried in books about witchcraft. I was blessed to be surrounded by cherished friendships in my early adulthood, kindred spirits who encouraged me to embrace and explore the magical path that called to me. I’ve since found a strong relationship with herbal magic, paying mindful attention to the sustenance and care of my body as a temple of natural magic. My journey is shared with my husband, and together we guide our children to appreciate the beauty and magic of Mother Earth, fostering in them a budding interest in witchcraft and the natural world. Beyond my magical practices, I express my creativity through baking, indulge in the art of tea, and explore expression through writing, art, and tattoos. At my core, I am a believer in the empowering essence of the divine, dark feminine power that guides me through life.