In ancient times, people of Mexico used to honor their passed loved ones by placing their skull and bones on an altar. Rather than scary or chilling to see REAL bones, typically their families would fill the altar with colorful vibrant objects to beautify their path. Because the Maya and Aztecs believed in an after world they placed things that the deceased used to enjoy and could now take with them on their new journey. As a result of civilization the tradition changed in some ways as the people no longer used real skulls, instead they made sugar skulls out of paste which is a mixture of sugar, hot water, and lemon among other ingredients, that creates a moldable mass. Typically the skulls are decorated in bright colors to celebrate the beauty of Day of the Dead in bright spirits instead of gloomy and gray as this day is to rejoice those who have passed. People gather to tell stories and relive moments they had with those who are no longer with them to remember that even if they are no longer here they keep them alive in their hearts.