Santa Muerte, or Saint Death, is an unofficial "saint"-like figure that is worshiped in parts of Mexico and Latin America. The Roman Catholic Church does not recognize the Santa Muerte as a saint and considers it as an evil figure.El Universal: The 'Saint' of Last Resorts (March 20, 2004)
Although worshipers of Santa Muerte vary, the deity is especially popular in communities plagued by violence and is worshiped by drug traffickers and criminals in Mexico.TIME Magazine: Santa Muerte: The New God in Town (October 16, 2007)El Universal: The 'Saint' of Last Resorts (March 20, 2004) In April 2009, after the destruction of shrines to Santa Muerte by Mexican authorities, hundreds of protesters took to the streets chanting "We are believers, not criminals!" and claiming religious persecution.Salon.com: Mexico's death cult protests shrine destruction (April 5, 2009)
Protection and Destruction
The image of Santa Muerte, used in figurines, statues and tattoos, often appears as a female skeleton adorned in a robe or an ornate dress. While whe is said to be the saint of luck and protection, she is also sometimes prayed to for help in the destruction of rivals.El Universal: The 'Saint' of Last Resorts (March 20, 2004)
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Popular throughout Mexico and Latin America
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Depicted as a skeletal female figure
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Santa Muerte's appearance is often compared to the Grim Reaper
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Holds a sickle in one hand and a globe of the world in the other
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Often appears with a cigarette or cigar in her mouth
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Worshipers sometimes set up alters or shrines to Santa MuerteEl Universal: The 'Saint' of Last Resorts (March 20, 2004)
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Authorities in Mexico say Santa Muerte followers are often involved in prostitution, drugs, abductions and homicideTIME Magazine: Santa Muerte: The New God in Town (October 16, 2007)
