Papel Papel PicadoPicadoIn Mexico, the art of paper-cutting goes In Mexico, the art of paper-cutting goes

back to pre-Columbian times, when back to pre-Columbian times, when bark paper--made by women from bark bark paper--made by women from bark

collected by men in the spring--was collected by men in the spring--was used in a variety of ways. It was an used in a variety of ways. It was an

offering to the gods and a tribute to the offering to the gods and a tribute to the Aztec emperor, Aztec emperor, Montezuma IIMontezuma II..

Means “Punched Paper”Means “Punched Paper” Traditionally made with a hammer and punch tools Traditionally made with a hammer and punch tools

on stacks of tissue like paper so that several are on stacks of tissue like paper so that several are made at once. made at once.

On certain holidays, it decorated the idols On certain holidays, it decorated the idols in temples and palaces. Other early uses in temples and palaces. Other early uses of cut-paper also had a spiritual of cut-paper also had a spiritual dimension: dimension: cutouts of dark paper were cutouts of dark paper were made to represent evil spirits; those of made to represent evil spirits; those of white paper represented good spirits and white paper represented good spirits and were used by healers and witches in their were used by healers and witches in their rituals.rituals.

One of the most popular Mexican One of the most popular Mexican celebrations is celebrations is El Dia de los MuertosEl Dia de los Muertos (Day (Day of the Dead).of the Dead). On this holiday, colorful On this holiday, colorful paper cutouts depicting dancing skeletons, paper cutouts depicting dancing skeletons, market scenes, or other everyday market scenes, or other everyday activities are part of the offerings on activities are part of the offerings on family altars.family altars.

Dia De Los Dia De Los MuertosMuertosNovember 1 & 2

Day of the Dead is an official holiday of the Catholic Calendar. In the home an altar is made with an offering of food upon it. It is believed that the dead partake of the food in spirit and the living eat it later. The Day of the Dead is a beautiful ritual in which Mexicans happily and lovingly remember their loved relatives that have died. 

On other occasions, other traditional On other occasions, other traditional motifsmotifs are preferred: a pair of doves are preferred: a pair of doves for a wedding celebration or the for a wedding celebration or the image of the Virgin Mary for a image of the Virgin Mary for a religious holiday. religious holiday.

Wedding:

Day of The Dead:

First Communion:

Quinceanera:

Summary:Summary:1.1. The term Papel Picado literally translates into: The term Papel Picado literally translates into: Punched PaperPunched Paper

2.2. What Religion is Day of the Dead based in?What Religion is Day of the Dead based in? Catholic ReligionCatholic Religion

3. In early times, dark paper represented:3. In early times, dark paper represented: EvilEvil

4.4. What kind of paper was the first Papel Pacido made What kind of paper was the first Papel Pacido made from?from?

Bark PaperBark Paper

5. What ancient Aztec Emporer was bark collected for 5. What ancient Aztec Emporer was bark collected for as an offering?as an offering?

Montezuma IIMontezuma II