Dia de Muertos by Maleka Laneke on DeviantArt.com
El Dia de los Muertos
We all come from different places and different cultures. You may not agree with the traditions of where you come from, but it’s important to at least be aware of them. Being Hispanic, I am Roman Catholic, I value family and music, and I am very familiar with El Dia de los Muertos, also known as The Day of the Dead. I am Mexican and Puerto Rican and ever since I was little, I’ve always been intrigued by El Dia de los Muertos (a three-day Mexican tradition). Celebrating our dead ancestors is not only important because it keeps their memory alive, but it also gives me hope that I won’t be forgotten.
Day of the Dead Traditions
Sugar Skulls Assortment by Art of Skulls on Flickr
Skulls are used to honor the dead. Many make sugar skulls using molds and paint for decoration. The names of the deceased is written across the skull’s forehead area. The symbolism is that we are dreaming in life and truly awake when we die. It’s a celebration of the continuation of life, even though our ancestors’ bodies are gone from this world.
The altar is the center-point for each family, and can be set up inside the home or at the cemetery. The ritual is celebrated differently depending on where you are. The altar usually incorporates the four elements of nature: earth, wind, water, and fire.
- Earth is represented by crops. People leave a feast of fruits and vegetables for the souls to eat when they arrive.
- Wind is usually represented by something that moves easily if air is blown near it, such as tissue paper.
- Water is offered in a container for the souls to quench their thirst.
- Fire can be found by candle. Each lit candle represents a soul, and an extra one represents a forgotten soul.
Day of the Dead parades can be found in Mexico and parts of the United States. Dancing, live music, and dining are all typical activities that occur during a celebration. If you ever find yourself near a celebration site, don’t be afraid to participate. It will be nothing like you’ve ever experienced before. The opportunity to witness other cultures’ traditions is one I wouldn’t pass up. Make sure you have a camera!
Day of the Dead Art
Marigold by Sylvia Ji
Sylvia Ji is one of my favorite artists. Her work is feminine with shadows of beauty, decay, and power. She seems dedicated to mixing her techniques with cultures different from her own. The exploratory approach she takes is admirable and the paintings she produces are breath-taking.
Calavera Catrina by Jose Posada
Jose Guadalupe Posada was a Mexican engraver and illustrator in the late 1800s. Although he worked on many projects with different job titles,he’s most famous for his calaveras (Day of the Dead skulls) and humorous paintings of skeletons interacting with the living.
Artists everywhere are embracing death. Tattoos, paintings and sculptures are just a few ways artists express death. An area of expression that I’ve come to love is skeleton make-up. You might think that there’s only so many ways to make someone look like a skeleton, but you’d be wrong. So much creativity, shadowing, and color (believe it or not) exists within these kinds of photos. They’re beautiful. Don’t take my word for it, take a look for yourself.
Day of the Dead deptiction by IMG Photography
Victorian Skull found on DeviantArt.com
