My annual pilgrimage to the National Museum of Mexican Art for their Day of the Dead (explained below) and then out to dinner afterwards.
DAY OF THE DEAD / DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
By Michael Horvich
Day
of the Dead in Mexico represents a mixture of Christian devotion and
Pre-Hispanic traditions and beliefs. During the pre-Hispanic era, death did not
exist. Death was seen, instead, as simply a transition, a voyage through time
and space towards true life.
The
celebrations take place on two days. The souls of the dead children arrive on October
31st. As they depart on November 1st, their place is taken by the souls of the adults.
On
these days, the deceased are believed to receive divine permission to visit
friends and relatives on earth and to share the pleasure of living once again.
While
the deceased are represented in skeletal form, the celebrations are not macabre,
but rather portrayed with love, humor, and affections by both artists and
participants.
On
both days, the living and the dead are reunited at grave sites and home alters
that are adorned with flowers, candles, sugar skulls (Calaveras,) skeleton figures,
and the favorite food and drink of the departed.
The
altar includes four main elements of nature: 1) Earth is represented by food
and it is believed that the souls are fed by the aroma of food. 2) Wind is
represented by a moving object, usually tissue paper flags (Papel Picado.) 3)
Water is represented by a glass of water for the souls to quench their thirst
after the long journey to the alter. 4) Finally, fire is represented by wax
candles, one for each soul remembered and an extra one for the forgotten soul.
The
dead are never forgotten because once a year they take their places beside the
living to enjoy their love and the fruits and flowers of the earth.
Edited from:
-Mary J. Andrade, http://www.dayofthedead.com
-Jeffry Weiss, Arte
Popular Miniaturas, Puerto
Villarta, Mexico
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