‘La Catrina’ Symbolizes More Than Just Death in Mexico
The end of life is celebrated throughout Mexico and nowhere in the world celebrates Dia de las Muertos “Day of the Dead” like in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
The Mexican Revolution gave birth to “La Catrina” with an image created by the talented engraver Jose Guadalupe Posada who made the first broad-brimmed hat Skeleton Lady between 1910 and 1913.
The name La Calavera Garbancera was the original name for “La Catrina”. The poor working class would refer to Mexicans holding their native heritage in contempt and to pass as Europeans. In an effort to whiten their skin, the skeletal resemblance came from a propensity to wear very pale makeup.
Mictecacihuatl in the underworld is the keeper of bones, an ancient overseer of Aztec fiestas. The current image of La Catrina as we know it today was Posada’s image with Mictecacihautl as the goddess of death as his muse. Today these celebrations are intertwined with the Catholic Church and All Saints’ Day.
A simple head with an ornate aristocratic “French Hat” was Posada’s creation. Diego Rivera gave her the name “La Catrina” and credit is given to Diego as he gave her an elegant colorful dress and full body. He took the hat-adorned head of Garbancera.
The Museo Mural Diego Rivera in Mexico City is where she made her debut and can be seen on the preserved mural Sueno de Una Tarde Dominical en la Alameda Central “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park”. Rivera’s art is laden with symbolism, innuendo, and legend on the reverse display.
The disparity between the classes of Mexico is represented by La Catrina. Although there are those who claim changes have been made, they still remain the same today and the reverence to this symbol only succeeds.
The wealthy enjoyed privileges unavailable to those less fortunate and before the revolution. Although much has changed with more visibility to the lower classes, daily wages remain at very low levels and poverty is still a political issue.
The difference between borders is the imagery of Mexico and its celebrations remembering their loved ones who passed with total awareness and spend hard-earned money on offering gifts for the dead. Mexicans are able to maintain a sense of humor regarding death while some in the United States knowns death as something to be feared and avoided. They couldn’t care less who takes offense. Que es cómo es
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