000 01295nam a2200169 4500
020 _a9781405152488
024 _a64208213
050 _aGT4995.A4
082 _a394.266
100 1 _aStanley Brandes
245 1 _aSkulls to the Living, Bread to the Dead
260 _bWiley-Blackwell
300 _a232 pages
520 _aEach 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.
650 _aCulture/Customs
999 _c3346
_d3346