Today is known as The Day of the Dead, a celebration thought to have originated in Mexico. The Day of the dad actually goes back to the Aztecs and the first Spanish invaders. Back then, in the 1500s, it was called “All Soul’s Day”. It runs from Oct 31 – Nov 6 depending on the region of Mexico. Those who celebrate it, decorate home altars with traditional meals. Wonderful decorations are made and people will parade with traditional day of the Dead costumes.
If you have not watched “Coco” you are missing a fabulous Pixar movie. It is family friendly and the sweetest story. About remembering ancestors. It is incredibly touching. This is one of my favorite scenes where the little boy sings his grandfather’s song to his grandmother who is unresponsive.
The Day of the Dead is all about family and friends who have passed on and feasts are held where ancestors are the guests. It is said that the spirits of the dead return home for a night too visit their loved ones. It is a night of sharing dear stories of those who have passed on.
One of the most well-known arts are the Sugar Skulls. They are not meant to be eaten. You will see a lot of artists expressing “Sugar skulls”. I have provided a template for you to copy and paste and transfer on to your art journal or a canvas.
Lots of orange and yellow colors festoon everything that can be used as decorations. Those colors represent the sun and the marigolds that are seen as flowers of the dead. By decorating their homes and altars, it is thought the deceased can find their way home to be with family and loved ones. Children are taught that there is a circle to life and fie down here on earth is but a short part of it all. They are taught not to fear death and to always love and care and visit their elders and those who have passed on. The families will go to elaborate gravesides and pull weeds and plant flowers, add candles and flowers and favorite foods for those that have passed on. As well, something to drink is offered because they consider the journey back to be long and those who travel back will be thirsty from their long journey. In many villages, an alcoholic drink is offered as well as salt. Salt is considered the spice of life and a temptation for the loved ones to come and feast and drink.
In every culture, there were, and are, traditions that we have allowed to disappear over the decades. Or traditional cultural events that were forced to be extinguished. The history of your ancestors runs through your blood. They can trace us as far back as first woman. I was one of the experts that believed in inherited knowledge and had it proven to me many times. I know there are cultural things passed on, including designs and symbols used it art, weaving, etc. I have seen things that were not random enough to even be called coincidence. What is your ancestry. This month I am researching the Celtic ancestry of mine.
I am blogging about the Celt ancestry but even if you are not of Celtic origins, it is really interesting to un understand the Celts. And, perhaps it will spur you on to find out more about your ancestry and how it shows up in your life today.
©Carol Desjarlais 4.11.22
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