Catrina is a figure that serves as companion and helper at the beginning of the path to the realm of the dead, not as executioners. However, they are capable of both, especially if misguided mortals try to prevent them from doing their duty, using their deadly but painless kisses to end a life in an instant.
Description[]
The Catrinas always appear as skeleton in festive clothing, usually in female attire, but sometimes in colorful male formal wear, and usually decorated ewith or carrying flowers. They are typically 5 to 6 feet tall and weigh 20 to 30 pounds.
Overview[]
Catrina welcome the dead to the afterlife, doing what they can to lessen the shock and terror experienced by mortals who have not accepted their own death or who still grieve for themselves. Eschewing the funerary themes and colors favored by most other psychopomps, the catrinas dress in festive hues, surrounding themselves with light and color to dispel a measure of the darkness of death. However, they do not disguise their skeletal bodies, for despite whatever gilding they may put on at the time, they do not seek to disguise the finality of death. A catrina's motivation to ease the transition from life to death has more to do with making the soul's progression smoother than compassion for the soul; after all, screams and outrage disturb the peaceful repose of the dead.