The ABCs of Halloween

Halloween decorations have popped up all around town. Most are traditional. But some are a little harder to interpret than others. I'm still puzzling over the meaning of this display—any suggestions?

Calacas and calaveras

Today was the annual celebration of Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. "The most familiar symbol of Dia de los Muertos may be the calacas and calaveras (skeletons and skulls), which appear everywhere during the holiday: in candied sweets, as parade masks, as dolls. Calacas and calaveras are almost always portrayed as enjoying life, often in fancy clothes and entertaining situations." (National Geographic)

The picture on the left shows the skull, arms, and handlebars of the 22-foot high sculpture "The Bicycle," by folk artist Martin Sanchez. Like all of Sanchez's work, this skeleton on a bicycle is made of 100% recycled “repurposed” materials, often referred to as “found art.”

Dia de los muertos

 

In San Diego, last weekend, we came across quite a few reminders that the "Day of the Dead" celebration was approaching. This is a time when it is a Mexican custom to pray for friends and family members who have died. The artwork is certainly interesting.

Poseidon masked

In the spirit of Halloween, someone 'decorated' the Poseidon statue in this business center. The statue with a skeleton mask was certainly odd to see from the street. (Of course, it is also a little comical that there is a pizza box stuck on his trident.)

I guess it is a reminder that I should have already decorated for fall and it is time to start buying goodies to hand out to the trick-or-treaters.