By Myra Bairstow
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a beautiful Mexican holiday
that has become one of my favorite celebrations ever since I was first
introduced to it years ago. Growing up, I never knew about this exuberant
fiesta. I learned about it while studying Frida Kahlo and have continued to
celebrate its meaning ever since.
Mystery and memory mingle as death is celebrated as part of life and
the continuum of time. Altars are created to honor loved ones who have
passed away. These offerings can be humorous and nostalgic - and are
said to guide the souls back to earth for a reunion.
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Frida's Fiesta's: Recipes and Reminiscences of Life
with Frida Kahlo |
One of my favorite books, which I highly recommend, is
Frida’s Fiestas:Recipes and Reminiscences of Life with Frida Kahlo by Guadalupe Rivera
and Marie-Pierre Colle. One section of this fascinating book tells personal
details of how Frida celebrated Día de los Muertos and also includes her
favorite recipes such as 'dead man's bread,' 'red tamales' and 'strawberry
atole.'
Having great respect and love for Día de los Muertos, I found it eerie to
learn that Frida Kahlo was hired to paint a beautiful portrait of the late
actress
Dorothy Donovan Hale on November 1, 1938. This coincided with
the opening date of Frida’s first exhibition in the United States at the Julien
Levy Gallery in New York City.
Dorothy died in New York City at the age of
33 on October 21, 1938. I suspect Frida was thinking intensely
of Dorothy, having been hired to paint her, on Day of the Dead, in 1938.
Perhaps this beloved holiday influenced her to paint something different
than the beautiful portrait she was hired to do? Today, "
El Suicidio deDorothy Hale," is considered one of Frida’s most mysterious and haunting
works of art.
