Friday, November 25, 2011
T'ant'as Wawas
In the before and after school programs in Tiqti, on the day after All Souls Day, an altar is prepared to honor deceased children. Little flags are made out of colored tissue paper, with geometric cutouts and glued to straw cut from broomsticks. All the children bring something for the altar, fruit, masitas, flowers, candy, T'ant'as Wawas. This year there was a contest for the best T'ant'a Wawa. Streamers, palm leaves, and other items are all used to decorate the altar.
Here is a close up of some T'ant'as Wawas. I even photographed my first T'ant'a Wawa, (certainly not award winning) but alas I am not sure where I saved it.
The kids ham it up after prayers and refreshments. Altars like this are also set up in peoples homes, if they have lost someone in the last year. Neighbors come by for visits and prayers and to remember the loved one. Since people are "buried" quickly (no embalming) this tradition on All Souls Day allows people who missed the funeral to pay their respects in a formal way. I found out anyone is welcome to stop in and pray. It is one of the few times I have seen doors left open to entry gates of houses for extended period of time.
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