Thursday, October 31, 2013

Dia de los Muertos!


In all the excitement (blame it on sugar rushes and new ponies) over the Horseman giving up the ghost, and the reins, don't think for one moment I've forgotten about another of my favorite holidays, Dia de los Muertos. In spite of the skeletons in parodied poses and on the spirit-heels of All Hallow's Eve, the intent is much more celebratory and sweet. Honor your ancestors, loved ones, and let them share in the fun. In Azeroth, the Macabre Marionette only lasts through the duration of the event (LAME), but it's kind of a cool thing to do.

History of Day of the Dead ~ Dia de los Muertos
Day of the Dead is an interesting holiday celebrated in central and southern Mexico during the chilly days of November 1 & 2. Even though this coincides with the Catholic holiday called All Soul's & All Saint’s Day, the indigenous people have combined this with their own ancient beliefs of honoring their deceased loved ones.

They believe that the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31, and the spirits of all deceased children (angelitos) are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours. On November 2, the spirits of the adults come down to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them.In most Indian villages, beautiful altars (ofrendas) are made in each home. They are decorated with candles, buckets of flowers (wild marigolds called cempasuchil & bright red cock's combs) mounds of fruit, peanuts, plates of turkey mole, stacks of tortillas and big Day-of-the-Dead breads called pan de muerto. The altar needs to have lots of food, bottles of soda, hot cocoa and water for the weary spirits. Toys and candies are left for the angelitos, and on Nov. 2, cigarettes and shots of mezcal are offered to the adult spirits. Little folk art skeletons and sugar skulls, purchased at open-air markets, provide the final touches.

This reminds me of the brew you pour on the ground and one of your homies comes and helps you:


In scrolling through some interesting images, I came across this woman who transformed herself into a vampire-woman:

Okay.

Theme song: Los Lobos/Don't Worry Baby

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous1.11.13

    I'm seeing reports that it may be permanent now, hope it's true. And I sure hope alts can do the quest or I will be way upset if it's permanent and I can't get him! I wasted hours this morning trying to find Chapman. Something's wrong! He's not there! WTF! Oh ... event starts at 11:00am ... oops, read much. Sigh, I'm such a doofus.

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    Replies
    1. Gosh, I really hope that's true cause that thing is wicked! Hey, ghost servants don't get up early! Thanks for the head's up - off to work today, but will be haunting the graveyards soon!

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