Skulls to the Living, Bread to the Dead: The Day of the Dead in Mexico and Beyond

Skulls to the Living, Bread to the Dead: The Day of the Dead in Mexico and Beyond

by StanleyBrandes (Author)

Synopsis

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.

$59.84

Quantity

20+ in stock

More Information

Format: Illustrated
Pages: 232
Edition: 1
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Published: 15 Dec 2006

ISBN 10: 1405152486
ISBN 13: 9781405152488