Skulls, pumpkin, dancing skeletons…At first glance, Mexico’s Days of the Dead celebrations may seem similar to Hallowe’en -- or a Grateful Dead concert!
But in fact this fiesta, taking place November 1 and 2, celebrates the harvest. And while Mexicans usually build altars and decorate the gravesites of those who’ve died, the celebrations are neither spooky nor scary - which makes it a great opportunity to introduce kids to this rich festival.
“Many moms are so busy that we forget to celebrate this season of plenty,” says mom Petra Kukacka, who introduces the Days of the Dead festival to kids through art, including an upcoming workshop at Toronto’s Gardiner Museum. “ “The festival tells the universal story of birth, life and death – of sowing, cultivation and harvest. Kids are always looking for a good time, and that’s what this festival is all about!”
Petra uses seed art to celebrate this festival. So go ahead - open up your pantry and take a look at what’s inside. If all you see is Kraft Dinner, then you might want to march right down to the bulk food store with your kids and let them choose a variety of purple, green, yellow, orange seeds and legumes for this craft. Let your imagination run wild!
Days of the Dead Seed Art
One wood or foamcore support, approx. 2 feet by 2 feet or larger. Supports can be purchased at your local craft store.
Dried, colorful food i.e. beans, lentils, rice. Amount depends on size of support. White craft glue, 1 paint brush, popsicle sticks. Clips for hanging.
Method:1. Prepare your work surface with newspapers.
2. Draw or select an image that fits support. Scary monsters, animals – it’s all good! Affix the clip to hang your completed artwork.
3. Transfer the image onto support.
4. Select a small area of the image to work on. Spread glue with a popsicle stick.
5. Apply seeds to glue surface. Work in sections until surface is covered.
6. Let dry.
7. Prepare topcoat. In a bowl, mix 2 parts glue to one part water. Using a paintbrush, gently apply the topcoat to the design until covered.
8. Watch proudly as your kids show off their creations!
The Gardiner Museum’s exhibition “Harvest of Memories: Mexican Days of the Dead” offers visitors an opportunity to experience the full visual splendor of Mexico’s signature festival. On now until January 18, 2009.
For more information on the Gardiner’s family offerings, including birthday parties and drop-in clay classes, visit
www.gardinermuseum.on.ca.
"