More on Day of the Dead exhibit

I went back to the Tucson Botanical Gardens yesterday to take in more of the Dia de los Muertos exhibit of huge, colorful sculptures of fancifully dressed female skeletons.

Read more about the exhibit in my Oct. 15 post titled La Calavera Catrina, which is the actual title of the exhibit. La Calavera Catrina refers to the skeletons, which were born out of social satire in the early 1900s depicting the upper classes in Mexico. The skeletons have become an integral part of the Day of the Dead celebration.

 

This first lovely lady (above) is none other than Frida Kahlo, the famous Mexican painter. Frida proudly wore traditional costumes and decorated her hair with bright flowers to show her sense of pride in her Mexican heritage. Her clothing choices from villages around Mexico highlighted the important place women held in Mexican indigenous communities.

The lady with the basket of fruit is La Vendedora de Frutas and represents the abundant offerings to the dead that are part of festivities. One of the most personal aspects of the offering is the banquet, a feast in which family members offer their deceased their favorite foods. The delicious aromas are said to help attract the spirits after their long journey home.

Because the holiday takes place Nov. 1 and 2 close to harvest time, fresh fruits and vegetables are typically offered in great abundance.

The Aztec Lady of Death in Aztec mythology presided over the ancient festivals held in honor of the dead, where her role was to watch over the bones of the dead. These festivals evolved during the Spanish conquest of Mexico into the contemporary Day of the Dead festivities.

Maria Felix, above, is revered in Mexico as one of the 20th century's classic Latin beauties. Her impeccable style made her the source of inspiration for renowned painters, musicians, composers, writers, and filmmakers.

And who is this last lady dressed like a flower? Me, wearing the latest dress that Judy in Flagstaff dyed for me! It's a loose, breezy rayon number that will be fun to wear the next time I go to the Botanical Gardens. And it matches my bougainvillea. 

You, too, can get a dress or other colorful item from Judy at her store on Art Fire:  JudySallOriginals

Have a colorful day