Día de los Muertos - My day of the dead
So this Thursday and Friday I've decided to have my
own Dia de los Muertos! I have collected some Mexican Marigolds cempasúchitl (which
are also African Marigolds) and have put together a mini alter of some of
my pieces I bought in Mexican markets.
The tradition was dedicated to the
goddess Lady of the Dead, corresponding to the name of Catrina.
The framed piece is of La Calavera Catrina a
popular image of Catrina often used in Day of the Dead festivities.
The 9 blue candles
are of Saint Death and have attached prayers to say for 9 days. I've translated
them and they are really beautiful. The blue ones are meant to help your sense
of spirituality and wisdom... so I might give it a try.
I just love the idea
of Dia de los Muertos. Death is really embraced in Mexican culture, and I think
by accepting it more rather than rejecting it as being part of life it becomes
less tragic somehow?
It really is a
celebration... colourful and passionate, with family and friends and your
favourite foods.
I love Marigolds
too, and I only wish I was in Xochimilco again exploring the floating gardens
now, as it would be filled with Marigolds grown especially for the festival.
The image of the
foliage is at the Sonora Market where I bought the candles as well. I guess it
was something of a witchcraft market and these plants are all fresh
and dried herbs! I had never seen anything in my life and the smell was
amazing. My candles are still infused with the smell of the markets almost a
year later!
My little Day of the
Dead ceremony will be nothing like the real thing...more of a wishing I were
there. However I believe any little ritual which brings some peace wonderful;
especially when it's full of colour like everything Mexican!
, a tradition that may date back to the pre...){kind=link}
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