Types edit
With countless combinations of patterns and colors, there are many different types of papel picados used in Mexican celebrations[1]. Specific patterns of papel picados are believed to hold significant meaning and worldly influence[2]. Thus, the design that is cut into a papel picado is determined by the particular even of which it is displayed[1].
One of the most commonly known types of papel Picados are those hung during the Mexican holiday Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Papel Picados used in Dia de Los Muertos are often cut with patterns of skulls and strung around alters (ofrendas)[3].Ofrendas highlight the four elements of the earth: fire, water, Earth, and air, of which papel picados represent air[4].
Papel picados are also used to assist in one's life journey[2].
It is believed that if someone wanted to improve a relationship, better their crops, or receive assistance in a particular area of their life, they would go to the shaman (someone thought to have contact with the spirits[5]) who would create a papel picado themed to the persons specific need, which would help their situation[2].
References edit
- ^ a b Herrera-Sobek, María (2012). Celebrating Latino Folklore: An Encyclopedia of Cultural Traditions. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 9780313343391.
- ^ a b c Crystal Bridges (2014-09-11), Catalina Delgado-Trunk–The History and Tradition of Papel Picado, retrieved 2018-11-02
- ^ Mohr, Angela. "Papercutting." The Encyclopedia of American Folk Art, edited by Gerard C. Wertkin, and Lee Kogan, Routledge, 1st edition, 2003. Credo Reference, https://cod.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/routfolkart/papercutting/0?institutionId=2869. Accessed 02 Nov. 2018.
- ^ Herrera-Sobek, María (2012). Celebrating Latino Folklore: An Encyclopedia of Cultural Traditions. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 9780313343391.
- ^ "shaman | Definition of shaman in English by Oxford Dictionaries". Oxford Dictionaries | English. Retrieved 2018-11-02.