Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that is celebrated on November 1rst & 2nd. The belief is that the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31rst and the spirits of all deceased children are allowed to reunite with their families. The following day on November 2nd, the spirits of the adults come down to enjoy the festivities that have been prepared for them. The cemeteries are decorated, a favorite meal and a bottle of tequila might be placed at the grave to ready for the return of the spirit. I think that it is a touching and moving tribute to your dearly departed loved ones.
Sugar skulls are a well known symbol for the celebration of the Day of the Dead as they are created to adorn the festivities for the departed souls. Sugar art was brought to the New World by Italian missionaries in the 17th century. Mexico, abundant in sugar cane learned quickly how to make the sugar skulls. The skulls would represent a departed soul as they were placed on gravestones or home made altars to honor a particular spirit.
I could ramble on about all the nuances of Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead Celebrations, as I find it totally fascinating…but for some it might not be so interesting, so I won’t bore you anymore. Living in San Diego, the goings on are all about us and here is a piece of fabric that shows quite a party in all their finest!
Over the years the Day of the Dead canvases have not been quite as elusive to find as their popularity grows . These canvases that you see here are by Needle Deeva and stitched by me. This is just one of the sugar skulls that have been designed for Pocket Full of Stitches… a new club coming soon for your stitching pleasure!
If Day of the Dead canvases are on your stitching wish list, there are wonderful canvases by Sundance and also an amazing piece of artwork by Manuel Salas that is being painted onto canvas by Tapestry Fair. Oooh if I only had the time to stitch that!
AlleyCat was busy supervising my watering the plants and tending to the orchids. and until next time…keep on stitching
I guess AC is looking at the empty pots and thinking to herself “what’s missing in this picture”? She’s a riot 🙂
She is a special one and she never lets me forget that!
I hope everyone had a great Halloween yesterday! lots of tricks and treats…
I really enjoyed your Day of the Dead posting. Such a rich history. I know your new NeedleDeeva series will be popular.
Thanks Robin! In my previous career, working with the gentlemen of Hispanic origin, they taught me well about their customs. I will always remember Xavier taking mole poblano to his mother. Very touching.
I’m curious; what is “mole poblano “?
Mole is a sauce in Mexican cuisine and chocolate has been added to it. Not a favorite of mine, even though I had mole verde (green) last week that I loved! Poblano is a mild chile pepper. I love Mexican food!
I should have also told you Palma, that mole is a savory sauce and it usually added to chicken or fish!
Thank you Vicky. I should try this although I have never seen it in any menus in Mexican restaurants around here. Will ask next time, it sounds good, especially with fish
Thanks for your mention of our Manuel Salas canvases. We will begin shipping them on Friday and I’m really excited to see how they will evolve when stitched by a lot of very talented stitchers.
Your welcome Peggi. It is really a wonderful canvas! I am sure that you will make allot fo stitchers very happy with that piece.