ABSTRACT
Santa Muerte is considered a Mexican folk-saint or pseudo-saint because she is not included in the roster of the official saints of the Roman Catholic Church. She has joined the ranks of those very popular folk saints that are not approved by the Roman Catholic Church but have found strong popular devotion among the laity. Santa Muerte is dressed in either a long robe or tunic, similar to those of medieval monks, or is dressed in a bridal gown, all the time holding a scythe, which is a symbol of justice and an orb representing her dominion over the world. Her robe or wedding gown also comes in seven colours each representing an attribute or power. The colours have meanings as follows: gold for abundance/money, red for love and family, purple for good health/healing, green for justice and legal matters, silver for success and good luck, copper breaks negative energies, and blue for spirituality.
