Remembrances of Ancestors are hallmarks of the peoples of Mesoamerica.
Since ancient times, the Maya celebrated their ancestors in festivals similar to the modern "Day of the Dead". These aren't times of sadness. Rather they are upbeat, spirited celebrations of the lives of people who have touched us in some way. Without those who have gone before, we may not have been here or be the people we are today.
These Celebrations are times to remember lives well-lived, or the little angels who touched us briefly. I personally love that this tradition has stayed with us through the European conquest because to me, the practice of honoring the lives of our loved ones gives us a sense of continuity, of time that is bigger than just our own century or so here on Earth. That we are the products of our ancestors, and at the same time we are influencing many generations yet unborn.
There is also much personal meaning for me in this piece. I was born on Nov 2, one of the Days of the Dead, and several of my immediate family members, including my own little "angelito", have passed during the month of November. This is my piece in remembrance of them.
The graffiti art form depicting Day of the Dead symbols seemed appropriate, as did the little gray ghost in the corner (a Gray Fox). Marigolds grow at the base of the wall, another Day of the Dead offering.
