Dia de Bloglandia...

 

Glass Calavera bead by Melissa Clear

I ADORE!! Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, you know that....it's the Mexican holiday of honoring and remembering those that have passed.  I love the art and images, colors and traditions.  In many cultures it is taboo to talk about death, to dwell on it, but this Mexican tradition celebrates the memories and lives of loved ones. 

So...how about a Bloglandia style celebration of this holiday?  Susanna and I would like to host a Dia de los Muertos party.  Are you game?  You can create an Ofrenda, a journal page, a story, an artwork...an entire Day of the Dead celebration...anything you'd like.  Just leave a comment here and at Susanna's if you'd like to play and on Sunday, November 2nd post your photos, art and/or stories. We'll have a page of links so we can all go 'round and celebrate our art, friends and families. 

                                   

Feel free to use this button to tell others about the party.

What exactly is Dia de los Muertos?  Once a year on November 1st (for children, dia de los Inocentes)and November 2nd (All Saints Day) families build Ofrendas, alters that contain photographs, the favorite foods and drinks of the dead...clothing, marigolds....lots of marigolds, sugar skulls and other art, anything that brings to mind the one that has passed away.  The vibrant artwork depicting skeletons doing worldly things, bread shaped into skulls, garlands of marigolds are used to decorate Ofrendas, cemeteries and homes in honor and celebration of the deceased.  Need some ideas??  Read on.... 

 

This is an alter that Mr R created for his mother, father and daughter, candles are lit and it is decorated with marigolds this time of year.  It contains photographs of his parents, both as young people and as grama and grampa to Tess, a little horse to remind us of his mothers collections, pictures of John Wayne....her fav...as well as crosses and rosaries. 

 

The Lakewood Cultural Center has a Day of the Dead exhibit of work by Colorado artist Carlos Fresquez.   

 

His paintings, prints and installations honor and celebrate his family and cultural heritage.  This show is not to be missed if you happen to be in the area.

Jose Guadalupe Posada was a graphic artist in the late 1800's that wrote and illustrated for newspapers and political satire.  After his death his work was re-discovered and is credited with inspiring images for Dia de los Muertos and has since inspired many artists.

A journal page I created for Mr R's mom and my 2 grandmothers...

I hope you ALL join the party!  Remember to leave me a comment here then go on over to Susanna's and leave her a comment as well so we can begin adding links....now go off and create and post on Sunday, November 2nd.

Comments

[Mother Henna]

Just posted my entry now!

http://motherhenna.blogspot.com/2008/10/celebration-of-dia-de-los-muertos.html

Thanks for inviting us all to play along!
miracles,
k-

[Jane]

I'd love to participate too! I have some artwork and photos posted now ....

Gracias,
Jane

[ouvir]

Meu irmão recomendou que eu possa como este blog.
Ele estava totalmente certo. Este post realmente fez o meu dia.
Você não pode imaginar o quanto tempo eu tinha passado por esta informação!
Obrigado!