Traditions Using Mexican Paper Flowers
Generations of Mexicans have used handcrafted paper flowers to decorate for holidays, fiestas, and celebrations, especially Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The vibrant, bright flowers, typically constructed of tissue paper, have become an ubiquitous Mexican adornment, even used for table centerpieces or to beautify the home. The crepe paper flowers have become popular in the United States, especially in the Southwest.
Origins
Mexican tissue paper flowers traces its root in the art of "papel picado," which dates back to pre-Hispanic times, according to Mexconnect.com. The Aztecs used tree bark to make rough paper fashioned into banners and flags, and decorated for use in rituals and celebrations. Crafters traditionally cut intricate patterns and even scenes from the Bible into the thick paper with scissors, knives, hammers and chisels. Papel picado decorations typically adorn windows.
Evolution
Theory has it that the craft of making paper flowers changed after thin paper was brought to Mexico from East Asia after the Spanish Conquest - the thin paper is called "papel de china," says Mexconnect.com. Because paper can deteriorate quickly, plastic cut-outs have gained favor. Modern tissue paper flowers are simple creations compared with their pre-Hispanic papel picado.
Uses
Mexican paper flowers can be used to decorate booths at fiestas and festivals, and altars and graves honoring deceased relatives for Dia de los Muertos and the days after it, the Catholic commemorations of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. The flowers were originally used in lieu of real flora, out of season during the colder months. However, use of the artistic creations is now used to celebrate many holidays, especially Cinco de Mayo, a political holiday commemorating the unlikely victory of the outnumbered and poorly armed Mexican army over the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The handcrafted flowers are also used to celebrate many other traditions, such as weddings and birthdays.
Artisans
Making Mexican paper flowers is predominantly a women's art, according to The University of Arizona's Southern Arizona Folk Arts. Some pride themselves on their ability to make several different kinds of flowers using only paper, such as poppies, daisies, roses, birds of paradise and even poinsettias for Christmas. However, a simplified paper flower is a common children's or preschool craft both in Mexico and the United States.
Designs
According to Mexconnect.com, the colors of the paper flowers can be specific to the holidays. Artists choose light blue, pink and white for celebrations honoring the Virgin Mary. More vibrant colors, such as pink, orange and purple are associated with Dia de los Muertos. Mexican flag colors of red, white and green are used for political holidays such as Independence Day on September 16 and Cinco de Mayo on May 5. Mexconnect.com says Christmas and non-religious festivities traditionally feature rainbow-colored tissue paper flowers. The flowers could represent crosses, angels, flowers, leaves, birds and much more.
