Sunday, October 30, 2011

Happy (almost) Halloween

As an only child growing up the first several years of my life I didn't celebrate Halloween. It wasn't my choice but my mom was someone who spent several years living on what I call a "hippy commune" but in reality it was kind of a cultish religious community. So...she felt that Halloween was a "devilish holiday that glorified evil." I was finally able to talk her into allowing me to dress up by the time I was 4 or 5 and she eventually lightened up.

Recently I've really been intrigued with the Day of the Dead celebrations. The holiday is a Mexican holiday that honors friends and family who have passed. "Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skullsmarigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts. Scholars trace the origins of the modern Mexican holiday to indigenous observances dating back hundreds of years and to an Aztec festival dedicated to a goddess called Mictecacihuatl" (Wikipedia).

 I think it is so cool the way people express themselves through the makeup and costumes. I was perusing the amazing blog Oracle Fox and came across these images. Mandy, the author of the blog apparently got the images from a photo shoot for Planet Blue. Planet Blue also provides a tutorial for the Day of the Dead makeup, awesome. I'm definitely gonna have to give it a go.