Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 10/19/2011 08:04 PM
Updated by: John_Hamilton on 10/27/2011 12:37 PM
Expires: 01/01/2016 12:00 AM
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Murphys Businesses Honor the Dead in the Land of the Skulls on Dia de los Muertos
Murphys, CA....Murphys merchants and tasting rooms will be celebrating the Second Annual Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, on October 29th and 30th from 12-5 pm. Participating businesses will be offering authentic cultural art, food, sugar skulls, face painting and live music as well as displaying altars celebrating the lives of those who have passed on but are with us in heart and spirit on the Day of the Dead....
This Mexican holiday traces it's roots back to the indigenous cultures of Mexico and Latin America but has become inextricably intertwined with the Catholic observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day over time. Although this celebration is associated with the dead, it is traditionally a period full of life, happiness, color, food, family and fun. In Mexico, outdoor markets display and sell symbolic items like special breads, pottery, baskets, candles, paper puppets, candy skulls and flowers. Skeletons are also an important symbol of this day and are displayed hugging, dancing and laughing in shop windows and on street corners.
Traditional activities are believed to "welcome the souls of the dead." The souls are said to return each year to enjoy the pleasures of the life that they once had. These souls are thought to return as spirits from another world to be with their loved ones for a few brief hours. A widely held belief is that the souls of children (angelitos) return first so food and gifts appealing to children are set out for them. The adult dead are said to return a day or two later and their favorite items as well as elaborate food and drink are set out for them as well. It is believed that candle light as well as the scent of marigolds and copal incense will help the ghosts find their way back home.
The Bodega del Sur Winery, Creative Cookware, Domain Becquet Winery, Frogs Tooth Vineyards, Marisolio Tasting Bar, Muir's Legacy Tasting Room, Murphys Nursery, Next!, The Spice Tin, Sustenance Books, Tanner Vineyards Tasting Room, Yogurt Your Way and Tea-an-Tiques will all have altars honoring the dead. In addition, Aria Bakery and Alchemy Wine Bar and Restaurant will have traditional Mexican and Day of the Dead foods available. Pick up a map at any of the participating businesses and spend some time seeing how the Day of the Dead is being celebrated here in Calaveras County, the Land of the Skulls.
Of special note is an exhibit and sale of Dia del los Muertos art from artist and collector Frank Sanchez. The work will be open for viewing at the Murphys House on Main - 331 Main Street, Murphys. This special exhibit will run the weekend from 11:00-5:00.
The public is welcome to participate in the remembrance of loved ones by contributing items to the altars. Please contact the business owner first though to make sure there is an appropriate space for your item.
Additional information on the history, traditions and beliefs associated with the Day of the Dead can be found at http://www.mexconnect.com/articles/1427-los-dias-de-los-muertos-the-days-of-the-dead
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