Day of the Dead

This was a very unsettling mural on a building in residential southwest Chicago, Pilsen area, that my Irish eyes set upon recently. An awakened mummy trying to escape from the clutches and restraints of death. Freaky. Ghoulish. Very Halloweenish. What does it all mean, Basil?

Simply, the astounding artwork represents the Mexican festival of the year, Day(s) of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos, celebrated every November 1,2 coinciding with the Catholic liturgical calender of All Saints Day and All Souls Day respectively. However, isn't it a bit strange to be on a two day bender celebrating those that are dead. Hmmm, come to think of it, it's not such bad idea.

Seriously though, throughout the Hispanic world this festival is serious business with skull shaped candies, marzipan death figures and papier mache skeletons and skulls, all in honor of their beloved dead. "To the indigenous peoples of Mexico, the annual festival of the Day of the Dead, is an awakening of the dead who return each year to visit their living relatives- to eat, drink and be merry. Just like they did when they were alive." The candies, figurines, skeletons and even papa's favorite tequila or mezcal is put out on an "altar" or "shrine" of sorts for their annual return home.

Down the street from this sidewalk mural is the world reknown National Museum of Mexican Art. It just so happened that the museum was honoring this same festival. Within the gallery were "altars" of varying sizes, styles and messages for believers welcoming home their honored dead. It was truly fascinating. I saw one altar that displayed old grandpa's favorite Jack Tatum #36 silver and black jersey from the Oakland Raiders in the '70s. Even in the afterlife, Raider Nation rules.

So Basil, after being newly inculcated into the Day of the Dead world, I think I know what's going here. The Mexican spirit of living is so intense that they don't take anything lying down-even death. Death is part of life...so party on.