During these dates we usually see Day of the Dead rugs made with colored sawdust, as it is a tradition in Mexico that has become a tourist attraction. due to the life they transmit thanks to their colors and images. You may not know the origin of this tradition and its meaning, which is why here we explain its history and how to make a mat at home to decorate during the November festivities.
Image: Facebook / Bonito León Guanajuato
Origin of the Day of the Dead rug
This is one of the Mexican traditions that are part of ephemeral popular art due to its colors. Nowadays this activity is done with the intention of welcoming and venerating our deceased who come from the underworld, but the truth is that its origin is European and it was brought to us by the Spanish during the , which makes them a mixture of pre-Hispanic traditions with Catholic rites.
Initially, these rugs used to be made on the floors of the towns as a greeting to the religious processions that walk on them, and with the passage of time, it evolved into a tradition to place them for the celebration of the Day of the Dead in Mexico.
It is representative that in 2013 the Congress of the State of Tlaxcala decided to declare these rugs as Intangible Cultural Heritage, since this state is recognized worldwide for the incredible rugs it makes.
The picturesque rugs can be seen around the Republic in states such as Oaxaca, Queretaro, Guanajuato, Puebla, Zacatecas and in Mexico City in public areas during the first two days of November.
Image: HILOS DE NOGADA / PINTEREST
Make your own day of the dead rug
You need few materials to carry it out and they are also very easy to get, I’m sure you already have more than one at home.
Once you have obtained them we will begin to make them, they are simple so you can finish yours easily and quickly to complement your decoration.
And that’s it, just like that you will have an incredible Day of the Dead rug at home, you can even make it as a decoration for other festivities because you can recreate the image of your preference during any time of the year.