Masking History Part 6

As we look at Latin and South America, their own traditions of mask celebrations were taking hold. "The Day Of The Dead" is a celebration that has a murky history. The day is the celebtration of past loved ones. The general thme of the day is that one invites the deceased into their homes, where there are offerings left out for them of food and gifts. This celebration is one of their past lives and accomplishments, and not dwelling on the fact that they are gone. It goes with the spiritual idea that "as long as they are remembered, they will always have life". The day is currently celebrated between Oct 30 to Nov 2, though there these vary according to region. The day used to be celebrated through the months of August and September, but it is believed that when The Spanish came to Latin America, like their European counterparts, they were aghast that the dead would celebrated in such a manner. After much friction, the days are believed to have been changed to the current October/November days to keep in line with Christianity's "All Hallows Eve(Halloween), and All Saints day. Again it is murky. Also murky is how far back the celebration goes. There are records that show the Mayans celebrated the day in some fashion.
Masks play a huge role. "Catrina", or "The Lady Of The Dead" is the feminine representation of death, and her face is worn in parades and celebrations, as well as her image being very visible. Masks of skulls and other death related images are worn. The masks can range from Plastic to paper mache to Latex to face paint. There is food, drink and memorials of those who are departed. It is a day to remember those we loved, and the lives they shared with us.

In the next part, which will be the final "Overview" of masking history before we get into specific. we will take a closer look at the origins of Mardi Gras in North America-and how masks were used in part to "hide in plain sight" in its origins.