On November 1 & 2, the “” at the California Science Center will Commemorate Dia de los Muertos Observance with a Special Display.
The exhibition, which showcases mummies and related artifacts from around the world, including pieces from South America, will offer a unique experience for guests during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). A special display will feature the traditions and culture of the indigenous people of Latin America. The public is invited to bring non-returnable photographs of departed loved ones that will become part of the display, which is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
The display will feature traditional Mexican folk art, artifacts, flowers, pan de muerto (“bread of the dead”), and photos of the departed. Guests will also find the Libro de Recuerdos (“memory book”) where they may leave heart-felt messages for the dead. Día de los Muertos bridges the past and present in a very different way through culture and family traditions,” said William Harris, Senior Vice President of Development and Marketing, California Science Center Foundation. This exhibition bridges the gap between the past and present through science, which increases our knowledge of the historical and cultural record around the world.
Despite the sound of the name, Día de los Muertos is a festive, centuries-old holiday rooted in Mexican tradition, predating the arrival of the Spanish to the Americas. The holiday memorializes the lives of family and loved ones who have gone before us. In this custom, it is important to maintain good relations with the dead because it is believed it is they who intercede and bring good fortune to the living.
Photographs donated for the Día de los Muertos display should be small to mid-sized, placed in a self-standing frame and only feature the departed loved-one. Photos and frames will not be returned.
The Día de los Muertos display will be available for free public viewing November 1-2, 2010. Mummies of the World premiered its limited three year engagement in July of 2010 at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, California. The exhibition is currently in its final weeks, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To see the Mummies of the World exhibition, tickets are required and can be purchased in advance online.
Links:
http://www.californiasciencecenter.org/
http://www.mummiesoftheworld.com/
