Chapter 3 – The representation of the Holy Death and its forms
The Holy Death may be represented in different ways, as a male or a female figure; as a masculine figure, it is gloomily dressed and has a scythe and a rosary; as a feminine figure, it is dressed in a long white satin robe and has a golden crown.
The Holy Death may also be represented as a skull, a skeleton covered with a robe, sometimes holding a scale -which means equality for all- or with a scythe, as an elderly woman or as a pretty young woman, dressed in white, in black, in red, in yellow, or in other colours, or also as a man in humble clothes.
The most frequent representations are in prints, either in black and white or in colours. They are made of resin, glass, metal, papier-mâché, wood, bone, etc., and consecrated according to the person who makes them.
The Holy Death sitting
The Holy Death is sitting on a kind of throne watching the world, and is a faithful servant of the Universal Creator. The figure is holding a scythe or a balance (with which the world is balanced between the spiritual and economic side), and is accompanied by an animal that represents the underworld, such as the owl. In the other hand, there is a scythe which represents the mutilation of all negative energy, wherever this figure is placed. For Law Offices, the ideal colour is green.
Sitting on the world
The strength of this figure is in the orb, it is used more as a reference to its strength than as a special form for making requests. It is used with other images. The head tilts upwards indicating that the Holy Death always looks like this at the Creator of all visible and invisible things. This position suggests that the Holy Death will always be His faithful servant and that of all existing things. This figure is always dressed with a robe and is holding a scythe, which symbolizes the tool needed to cut all bad energy that affects the human beings.
Sitting on the floor
This image is used as a symbol of humility and devotion. It is placed on simple altars, but it is as powerful as any other figure.
Standing
This is the most well-known position. It is a whole-body figure covered with a robe from head to toe, with a strip round the waist, and the sleeves of the cloak covering three quarters of the body. The figure is holding the world (which represents that the power of God over all life existing in this world is in its hands), a book, a scythe, a torch or a scale.
This Holy Death transmits strength and majesty, it symbolizes protection and sanctity.
This figure can be found in other Catholic altars, since it is the equivalent to the Christian Virgin.
Wherever this skeletal figure is placed, it is always seen with great respect and spiritual firmness. It has been represented with the great mystical depth of the white colour. The robe represents personal progress, health and prosperity in any aspect.
With open arms
It represents the defence, protection and benevolence of a mother. No matter what social class you belong to, you will always be welcomed into her arms. The Holy Death will help you in any situation, no matter how difficult it may be. The robe is baggier. In one hand there is the world, and in the other, a scythe. This figure may be placed with other images as backup.
With an owl
The owl, that symbolizes the bond with the underground force, protects and stops all evil, it rejects and returns the negative energy.
The owl is an animal that warns you when there is hatred or evil in the environment. It is used in altars for protection and rejection.
The owl is usually between the feet.
The owl is a mystical animal par excellence that feeds at night since it has nightlife.
It is an animal that is always vigilant and watching that no evil energy or curse goes where this figure is placed and is one of the most akin to the Holy Death.
With a hourglass
This figure is usually standing and bent a little forward, dressed in a cloak and holding an hourglass.
It represents the time consumed by each living being, on the earthly plane. In the other hand there is an oil lamp, which represents the spiritual light of each devotee so the Holy Death can guide him or her in any situation no matter how difficult it may be.
From papier-mâché
These figures have their own energy because they are true works of art. They are hand-made and they are never the same, neither in size, shape or how they are painted or decorated. Papier-mâché figures are especially unique.
Pious
This form of Holy Death is sitting down, holding or carrying a human being.
This figure is holding the body of a person with one hand and his/her legs with the other. The head is slightly raised and looking forwards and upwards, begging for the Creator’s clemency for the devotees and for a fair trial; this Holy Death is always wearing a cloak.
If you have this figure, spiritual peace, abundance and harmony are granted.
