Dia de los Muertos

Want a change from Halloween? Then why not focus on the Mexican festival Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead)?

My interest grew out of studying the Aztecs with a group of children. Seeing how a conquered nation integrated its long-held traditions with those of its Spanish conquerors (Catholicism). The resulting amalgam is fascinating and well-documented in Carmichael, E. & C. Sayer (1991) The Skeleton at the Feast. British Museum. ISBN 0-7141-2503-2

My wife bought me a couple of pieces of art based on the festival which are figured below. I'd love to try some sugared skulls. It seems that a "trick-or-treat" aspect has crept in recently from the USA, unfortunately.

iPad photo

iPad photo

If you are getting embroiled in the Hell-o-ween then you might want to look out the Steve Spangler video of the exploding pumpkin. Steve Spangler is probably best know for his "Coke & Mentos" demonstrations on American TV which led to a rash of videos and modifications. His website is well worth a visit.

http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/science-video/exploding-pumpkins