Ruben Trejo Memorial
AUGUST 17 - NOVEMBER 18
From Pre-Columbian times the Day of the Dead has been celebrated in Mexico and other Latin countries. This very special ritual is a time for the living to remember their departed relatives with a two day celebration. The ancient Mayan and Aztec traditions of celebration and commemoration are mingled with the Catholic/Christian observed holidays of All Saints and All Souls Day (November 1 and November 2).
Since traditional Mexican belief views death as a continuation rather than the end of life, The Day of the Dead is a time of joyful celebration and not mourning. Relatives are honored with displays of the departed’s favorite food and drink as well as personal belongings. Flowers, particularly marigolds, and candles are placed on the graves and are supposed to guide the spirits home to their loved ones.
Other symbols include elaborately decorated pan de muerto (a special coffee cake), skull shaped sweets and candies, papier-mâché skeletons and skulls. Graves and altars are prepared by the entire family, candles are lit, the ancient incense copal is burned, prayers and chants for the dead are intoned and food and drink are consumed in a party/picnic like atmosphere.
This altar was assembled in honor of Spokane artist Rubén Trejo (American, 1937-2009). In 2001 Rubén created an installation for The Day of The Dead: Reflections/Installations exhibit here at the Jundt Art Museum. At that time Rubén said, "I was born in a box car on the CB&Q Railroad where my father worked for 38 years. My cultural baggage embraces the magic that holds a people together as they go back and forth to Mexico: the tears, the love, the mysticism."
