Introduction

Every year, as Americans plan for Halloween the people of Mexico prepare for a very special holiday. They call it Los Dias de los Muertos or The Days of the Dead. The title of the holiday sounds sad and mournful but nothing could be further from the truth. Mexicans celebrate the lives of their dead family members by decorating their homes, leaving offerings of food for the "spirits," and care for their family's grave sites. The Days of the Dead are the most important holidays celebrated in Mexico.

Skeleton toys called Calaveras or Calacas are created during the preparations for this festival. Calaveras are posed in a variety of everyday activities and have comical expressions laughing at what the future might bring. Candied Calaveras made out of sugar and colored icing are sold in the marketplace. Names are written on them as a sign of friendship. The humor and ideas expressed in this art form are greatly enjoyed by family and friends.

Papel picado banners are used for decorations for The Days of the Dead as well as other celebrations all throughout the year. These colorful works of art are created out of very fragile tissue paper. The bright colors and delicate materials used in these designs symbolize the importance of human life. The banners carry the message that life is fleeting and precious so enjoy every minute.

Yarn painting, a colorful folk art that originated from the Huichol (wee-chall) Indians, is sold in the village markets during this time. Intricate pictures made out of yarn tell stories of heros, warriors and events throughout history. Huichol legends describe their deep appreciation of nature and animals.

Come and join this scavenger hunt to learn more about the beautiful art of Mexico. Click on each letter of "Mexican Art." Then answer the questions below.

Questions

1. What are the activities that Mexicans do during The Days of the Dead?

2.What are some similarities and differences between Halloween and The Days of the Dead?

3. What is a calavera?

4. What is a "Gods' Eye" and what does it symbolize?

5.How do Mexican Artists make Papel Picados?

6.What are some products made from Papel Picados?

7.What does Papel Picado mean in Spanish?

8.Search for the yarn paintings. What are some of the pictures you can see in yarn paintings? Click on the pictures to make them larger.

9.The Huichol (Wee-chall) Indians made yarn paintings for this occasion. How did the Huichol Indians attach the yarn to the artwork?

10.Using the English-Spanish Picture Dictionary find out the following words in Spanish: hat, girl, boy, house, thank you, meteor, quiz and friends.