"Tapetes de arena" or tapestries of sand, are found in many Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations and also used in the funeral customs of Oaxaca. Flower petals, sand, seeds and sawdust are all used to create these sand paintings.
Presiding over this time is La Muerte (Lady Death), the Aztec Goddess Mictecacihuatl. Dia de los Muertos was originally in held in July to mid-August, to coincide of the time of the Aztec corn harvest, but was incorporated into All Soul's Day by the Spanish conquerors in the 1500's. The original customs have prevailed however, and passed family members and friends are still honored with altars full of flowers, candles, sugar skulls, marigolds and food offerings. All night candlelight vigils are held.
No matter which holiday you may celebrate, Dia de los Muertos, Samhain, Hallowmas, All Souls Day, etc., we join with you in remembering those who have gone before, and wish you and your ancestors many blessings.
(photo by S. Barberzat)
