Days of the Dead

Yo.

The climate here in Paso Robles is very good for papier mache work. What would take a couple of days of indoor drying in Eureka takes a couple of hours in the sunlight on our apartment porch.

I like it!


You know that way down south (not so very far away) in Mexico, one of the celebrations most enjoyed by the people is El Dia de los Muertos--the Day of the Dead--a celebration honoring the dead--sort of like our old "Memorial Day" or "Decoration Day" when it was customary to decorate the graves of family members and friends which had passed away.

Here Memorial Day has been pretty much taken over by patriotic fervor for military personnel killed while in the service. Not such a bad idea, of course, but since all of us will die and since not all of us are military people, I think it would be a good idea to celebrate Dia de los Muertos here in the USA for everybody. Perhaps we could also call it the Day of the Dead. As long as we are at it, I think it would also be a good idea to celebrate our dead for a nice ten-day period every year--say from October 23 to November 1 (The traditional DOD is November 1 following "All Hallow's Eve--or Halloween.)

Without being too gloomy about it, death is a rather serious matter which should be seriously considered--though I really enjoy the cheerful mood of the Mexican Dia de los Muertos celebration. Probably the subject of death should not just be kept quiet and not thought about like some taboo subject.

Papier mache masks and decorations--including a traditional altar--are very often set up in village churches or markets and I think this is also a good idea. I have seen some examples right here in southern California in Escondido and in Petaluma, for example where temporary altars have been decorated with crepe paper and papier mache figures and photos of the honored dead--even pets honored by the family children.

Anyway.  I plan to celebrate the Days of the Dead or Dias de los Muertos this year and invite you to do the same.

And also, my dear readers and friends, I wish all of you a very long and productive and very happy life!

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