Pinterest

Tuesday 30 October 2012

Día de los Muertos


I am very enthusiastic about rituals and holidays which mark the turning of the year. I like to observe Pancake day, the build up to Christmas, bonfire night and Halloween. Since Halloween is the only one that requires fancy dress, it is an exciting prospect. I love the gothic element too. However the usual outfits are getting old. Year after year I have been a witch or a vampire. See my last outfit below.


This year I am going to do something different - I will be doing Halloween the Mexican way - Dia de los Muertos and painting my face like a Mexican sugar skull. 
Dia de los Muertos is a much deeper and more meaningful festival. It is a holiday which focuses on families taking time to remember and honour their dead relatives, friends and ancestors. This festival takes place on November the 1st and 2nd. The 1st day is the day to remember children who have died -  Día de los Inocentes. In this festival Mexicans might construct alters to their beloved deceased and visit their graves to tidy them and leave gifts. Edible Sugar Skulls are often one of the gifts left. These are al form of Calaca - skulls or skeletons used for decoration. Calaca's are often pictured with marigold flowers and foliage and wearing festive clothing - a joyous touch. In fact Calaca's are happy images because it is Mexican belief that no dead soul likes to be thought of sadly. it's a lovely thought that death is a joyous occasion. 
So this year this is what I shall be - still spooky but also beautiful and joyous. I have found there are a lot of makeup videos to look at online. This is the best one I've found. 


She takes her inspiration from artist Sylvia Ji. Here are some of her paintings that I might copy for my own face paints. 











And for my nails I'm thinking of these skulls. 


Have a joyful Halloween everyone. 

4 comments:

Fashion Cappuccino said...

Wow! They look really stunning! Perfect for Halloween!

ADELINA ALEXANDER said...

Wow! Beautiful! I am happy to join your blog and be your 50th follower! Would you like to follow me back?
xoxo

Angie said...

Oh My gosh.....I am not into this holiday BUT your face painting lesson on video sure made me want to try this. :)

Welshaims said...

Natalie and Adelina thanks very much and I will follow you back immediately. 50 followers is special - thanks again Adelina.

Thanks for your comments Fashion Cappuccino and Angie.