Skulls to the Living, Bread to the Dead: The Day of the Dead in Mexico and Beyond

Skulls to the Living, Bread to the Dead: The Day of the Dead in Mexico and Beyond
ISBN-10
1405178701
ISBN-13
9781405178709
Category
Social Science
Pages
232
Language
English
Published
2009-02-04
Publisher
John Wiley & Sons
Author
Stanley Brandes

Description

Each October, as the Day of the Dead draws near, Mexican marketsoverflow with decorated breads, fanciful paper cutouts, andwhimsical toy skulls and skeletons. To honor deceased relatives,Mexicans decorate graves and erect home altars. Drawing on a richarray of historical and ethnographic evidence, this volume revealsthe origin and changing character of this celebrated holiday. Itexplores the emergence of the Day of the Dead as a symbol ofMexican and Mexican-American national identity. Skulls to the Living, Bread to the Dead poses a serious challengeto the widespread stereotype of the morbid Mexican, unafraid ofdeath, and obsessed with dying. In fact, the Day of the Dead, asshown here, is a powerful affirmation of life and creativity.Beautifully illustrated, this book is essential for anyoneinterested in Mexican culture, art, and folklore, as well ascontemporary globalization and identity formation.

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