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Day Of The Dead: Mexican Folk Art, Papier Mache, Skeletons, Skulls, Dolls And Masks
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Published: December 6, 2007
Celebrating deceased family members while garbed in bright, papier mache skulls may seem gruesome to the outside world. For its participants, the Day of the Dead is a joyous way to honor late loved ones. Commonly celebrated in both the Canada and the United States, the Day of the Dead is one of the most well known of Mexican holidays.
As a key element of this celebration, Mexican folk art is used to immortalize and reunite with deceased relatives.
The Day of the Dead is a complex holiday that has both indigenous and Spanish influences. In the past, native tribes built altars and shrines to commemorate the dead in hopes the deceased would visit them. However, when the Spanish appeared, they were horrified by the holiday, especially the Mexican folk art. As a result, they implemented their own version of this holiday, 'All Saint's Day,' on November 1st. Today, in honor of their Spanish and indigenous heritage, the Day of the Dead is observed on both November 1st and the 2nd.
Despite Spanish influences, art has remained in integral part of the Day of the Dead. This particular art is used to represent the many dichotomies that occur in life such as animal and human, masculine and feminine. Skeletons and skulls are common fixtures on the Day of the Dead because they represent the most important dichotomy of all: life and death. These opposite components are essential in Mexican culture; they ensure that life remains in balance.
To illustrate this harmony, many Day of the Dead images feature the dead and the living sharing the same body. Modern works have been inspired by ancient art that illustrates Quetzalcoatl, the god of life, mirroring Mictlantlecuihtl, the god of the underworld. This demonstrates that life and death are a part of the same natural process and should, therefore, be embraced.
By creating and wearing skull masks, participants also symbolize the balance between life and death. Typically made out of papier mache, the Day of the Dead masks are often decorated with bright sequins, feathers, or paints. Despite the ominous appearance of these costumes, they are made to be worn in joyous parades.
The making of dolls is another common art form of the Day of the Dead. Mariachi Calaveras are common puppet skeletons composed of plywood and string. Generally geared towards children, these brightly-colored dolls allow the young to become less afraid and more accepting of the notion of death.
Whether used for toys or costumes, art is created in many forms on this holiday. Through this versatile outlet, participants honor the deceased and balance the opposing forces that occur in life. With its rich symbolism and history, the Day of the Dead continues to be one of the most popular Mexican holidays.
Sources:
'Day of the Dead.' Destination360. 2007. 4 Dec. 2007. http://www.destination360.com/north-america/mexico /day-of-the-dead.php.
'Day of the Dead.' Wikpedia. 4 Dec. 2007. 4 Dec. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead.
'Dia De Muertos: The Dead Come to Life in Mexican Folk Art.' Mexico Connect. 1996-2007. 4 Dec. 2007. http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/travel/mjmendoza/mj mdiadelasmuertos.html.
The Day of the Dead is a complex holiday that has both indigenous and Spanish influences. In the past, native tribes built altars and shrines to commemorate the dead in hopes the deceased would visit them. However, when the Spanish appeared, they were horrified by the holiday, especially the Mexican folk art. As a result, they implemented their own version of this holiday, 'All Saint's Day,' on November 1st. Today, in honor of their Spanish and indigenous heritage, the Day of the Dead is observed on both November 1st and the 2nd.
Despite Spanish influences, art has remained in integral part of the Day of the Dead. This particular art is used to represent the many dichotomies that occur in life such as animal and human, masculine and feminine. Skeletons and skulls are common fixtures on the Day of the Dead because they represent the most important dichotomy of all: life and death. These opposite components are essential in Mexican culture; they ensure that life remains in balance.
To illustrate this harmony, many Day of the Dead images feature the dead and the living sharing the same body. Modern works have been inspired by ancient art that illustrates Quetzalcoatl, the god of life, mirroring Mictlantlecuihtl, the god of the underworld. This demonstrates that life and death are a part of the same natural process and should, therefore, be embraced.
By creating and wearing skull masks, participants also symbolize the balance between life and death. Typically made out of papier mache, the Day of the Dead masks are often decorated with bright sequins, feathers, or paints. Despite the ominous appearance of these costumes, they are made to be worn in joyous parades.
The making of dolls is another common art form of the Day of the Dead. Mariachi Calaveras are common puppet skeletons composed of plywood and string. Generally geared towards children, these brightly-colored dolls allow the young to become less afraid and more accepting of the notion of death.
Whether used for toys or costumes, art is created in many forms on this holiday. Through this versatile outlet, participants honor the deceased and balance the opposing forces that occur in life. With its rich symbolism and history, the Day of the Dead continues to be one of the most popular Mexican holidays.
Sources:
'Day of the Dead.' Destination360. 2007. 4 Dec. 2007. http://www.destination360.com/north-america/mexico /day-of-the-dead.php.
'Day of the Dead.' Wikpedia. 4 Dec. 2007. 4 Dec. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead.
'Dia De Muertos: The Dead Come to Life in Mexican Folk Art.' Mexico Connect. 1996-2007. 4 Dec. 2007. http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/travel/mjmendoza/mj mdiadelasmuertos.html.
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