Skulls to the Living, Bread to the Dead: The Day of the Dead in Mexico and BeyondISBN: 978-1-4051-5247-1
Hardcover
248 pages
January 2007, Wiley-Blackwell
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Other Available Formats: Paperback
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Each October, as the Day of the Dead draws near, Mexican markets
overflow with decorated breads, fanciful paper cutouts, and
whimsical toy skulls and skeletons. To honor deceased relatives,
Mexicans decorate graves and erect home altars. Drawing on a rich
array of historical and ethnographic evidence, this volume reveals
the origin and changing character of this celebrated holiday. It
explores the emergence of the Day of the Dead as a symbol of
Mexican and Mexican-American national identity.
Skulls to the Living, Bread to the Dead poses a serious challenge to the widespread stereotype of the morbid Mexican, unafraid of death, and obsessed with dying. In fact, the Day of the Dead, as shown here, is a powerful affirmation of life and creativity. Beautifully illustrated, this book is essential for anyone interested in Mexican culture, art, and folklore, as well as contemporary globalization and identity formation.