Saint Death

Saint Deathis otherwise known as "Le Santisma Muerte," and this intriguing figure is an uncannonized Mexican saint that has been petitioned for love, luck, and protection. Although the Catholic Church refuses to acknowledge Saint Death’s existence, this figure of prayer is said to work miracles for those whom pray to him/her and adore him/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 even kidnapped family members.

Saint Death is viewed as both male or female by adherants, sometimes dressed as a grim reaper with a scythe and scales. Sometimes, Saint Death is feminine, and 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 include 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 prayer cards, medals, and candles are made and sold to the public.

One resource indicates that the Cult of Saint Death has been around since merely the sixties, however, other research inclines one to question if Saint Death is much older. 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.

Her prayers, orations, and novenas contain the [%%[Trinity]], and worship of Yahweh. While some view Santa Muerte as a figure of black magic, others view him/her as specifically a Catholic saint worthy of worship.

Resources:
 * Le Santisma Muerte
 * La Santísima Muerte Nicho
 * Historical Personifications of Death
 * A saint of death
 * 'Saint Death' Sought for Blessing in Endless War
 * Other Folk Religion Icons
 * Patron saints for various occupations and conditions
 * Amended Iconographies
 * 'St. Death' calls to the living in Mexico City
 * The 'saint' of last resorts