Death Wears a Dress

Followers of Mexico’s cult of death are upset at an extreme makeover that has seen the saint’s image change from a creepy-cloaked skeleton to an angelic Elvira look-alike in a golden gown.
Santa Muerte (Saint Death) has adherents across Mexico and Latin America but is not recognized by the mainstream Catholic Church. They visit her shrines leaving offerings of tequila and roses, and pray for miracles such as the return of a stolen car or kidnapped relative. And for decades they have been coming to see an image of death personified. 
“People will continue to believe in the skeleton image of Santa Muerte,” said Juan Ambrosio, an expert and author of a book on Santa Muerte. 
The closest thing the cult has to an official leader is David Romo, the archbishop of Traditional Mex-USA Church. Last Sunday, Romo revealed and “canonized” the new saint in front of a packed crowd in the Santa Muerte sanctuary in the Tepito neighborhood of Mexico City.
“In following our tradition of not imposing any kind of doctrine, we will be granting a three-year grace period in order for our faithful to incorporate the new image into their consciousness,” Romo told Milenio newspaper.
“It’s not as simple as changing the image from one to another,” Ambrosio said. “We’re talking about religion and that’s why people who believe in the (original) Santa Muerte will continue to do so.”
Some worshipers at the unveiling expressed positive reactions to the change.
“It’s a lot better,” Mabel Lopez told the Associated Press. “She’s not as scary now.”
The makeover may be part of an effort to soften the cult’s image and regain favor with the government. In 2005 the Mexican Interior Ministry refused the group status as a religious institution, thus blocking it from owning property or accepting donations.
Romo denied the change was part of a publicity stunt, but told reporters that the new image appeared to one of his parishioners in a dream.
While many followers welcome the change, many more have reservations. 
Maribel Lopez, who helps maintain Santa Muerte Web (www.santamuerte.galeon.com), said: “To many of us she looks more like a mannequin than an angel. I see this image as unacceptable, especially for the people who have lived their lives within the cult.”