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Papel picado lines
the back wall and table of this memorial
Intricate tissue paper cut-outs called papel picado
are draped over 'offering' tables. Notice the wash basin
and towel in the bottom right of this photo. This is so
the visiting souls can freshen up from their long
journey before enjoying the food provided for them.
Here
in
Chapala,
the entire street of
Cinco de Mayo is blocked off to traffic and
commemorative altars for the departed are set up. House
after house show colorful adornments and the preparation
of special foods that are laid out for those who have
died. Marigold flowers, thought to represent the rays of
the sun and linked with life, are placed strategically
so the deceased will not lose their place in the
universe, when they come to visit.
Dressing as
Catrinas is very popular during The Days of the Dead
These
young girls are dressed like a Catrina, one of
the most popular figures of the Day of the Dead
celebrations. Scholars trace the origins of the modern
holiday to an Aztec festival dedicated to a goddess
called Mictecacihuatl (pronounced
meek-tay-cah-SEE-wah-tl) or The Lady of The Dead.
Catrina dolls can be purchased in shops all over
Mexico and are highly prized by natives and tourists
alike for their artistic detail.
Live Catrina
dances
The beauty of live
Catrinas knows no bounds. Here a young woman, dressed as
a Catrina, dances for photographs.
Pine needles form
a pathway to the memorial altar
Death
is a topic largely avoided in the USA, but Mexico's Day
of the Dead is rare mix of pre-Hispanic and Roman
Catholic rituals. The holiday is an illustration of the
synthesis of pre-Hispanic and Spanish cultures that has
come to define this country and its people.
The lit candles and
the marigolds bring this father back to his family's
welcoming altar.
A young woman
arranges food on this altar as a skeleton looks on
Candles, decorations made from rice, best-loved photos,
memorabilia, flowers and even the favorite drink of the
deceased are all laid out to encourage souls to visit on
this special night.
A
common symbol of the holiday is the skull, called
calavera. Often you will see people dress up with
their faces painted to look like skulls, just like the
person to the left in this photo. Notice the marigolds
in patterns to help the deceased find their way.
Little children
dressed as little skeletons
Children dressed up as skeletons are a common sight on
this holiday, and they have great fun participating in
the celebrations.
November 1 is set aside for remembrance of infants and
children who have died, often referred to as
angelitos
(little angels). It is hard not to get the chills or
become emotional when seeing displays made for these
little ones.
Catrina wedding
Often there is humor
brought to everyday life with Catrina displays. Here,
you see a wedding between a male and female Catrina, who
have their beloved dog in attendance.
Family photos of
those who have gone before
Those who have died as adults are honored November 2.
As
you can see in this photo, the family above has lost
several members. Food is laid out and the souls 'eat'
the essence leaving the substance behind. Although
believed now to be void of all nutritional value, the
living will eat the fruits and prepared meals later on.
A male Catrina
warrior
This
is a representation of a Mexican warrior from Mexico's
War of Independence. Catrinas are skeleton dolls made in
both male and female form.
Another male
warrior with rifle and bullet bands crossing his chest
These
larger-than-life paper-mache warrior skeletons are done
in remarkable detail.
Male Catrina
playing guitar
Weeks before the Days
of the Dead Celebrations, Catrinas are out and about
town. Humor, entertainment and a sense of living with
death is all part of the Mexican culture.
A
female Catrina representing the Mexican Revolution.
Death
held a significant place in the rituals of the ancient
Aztecs. For example, it was considered a blessing to die
in childbirth, battle or human sacrifice, for these
deaths assured the victim a desirable destination in the
afterlife.
A fisherman in his
marigold-lined boat
This
deceased family member was obviously a fisherman. An
elaborate set up to represent his livelihood as a man of
the waters has been constructed, complete with boat,
fishing net, sail and the painted surf in the
background. Notice the name 'Lupe' is written out in
marigolds on the boat's hull.
The
figure in the boat wears some favored clothing of the
one who has died, a basket of fruit is waiting for him
on his return and the marigolds guide his way into the
boat.
A
group memorial
Many
photos commemorating the lives lived are on display
here. Notice the crucifix on the table and the picture
of the Virgin Mary at the top of the altar. Again, you
can easily see the blend of the Aztec custom with the
Roman Catholic beliefs.
Mimes sitting at a
table representing a local restaurant
These
young adults, dressed fully for the occasion, are
practicing mime. Slowly and deliberately they will
change their positions and hold them indefinitely, then
change them again.
The sign on the table
says "not dead" - referring to the restaurant El Zapote.
The
young man is playing cards and has a pack of cigarettes
on the table. There are several brands of tequila (the
National Drink), a couple of bottles of Coca-Cola and
some chips on a plate. The table and refreshments are
sponsored by a local restaurant El Zapote.
Akaisha with some
live Catrinas
Walking around town
during the Days of the Dead, one never knows what or who
they will find. Dressing as live Catrinas is a real art
form and makes for a colorful photo!
The
manner in which the Mexicans celebrate the passing of
their loved ones, with humor, love and theater creates a
sort of cathartic experience. A dance with Death,
instead of avoiding Him all together.
For
more information or to view different stories of places
in Mexico
click here
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