Papel Picado
In Mexico, the art of paper-cutting goes back
to pre-Columbian times, when bark paper-made by women from bark collected by men
in the spring--was used in a variety of ways.
It was an offering to the gods and a tribute to
the Aztec emperor, Montezuma II.
Means “Punched Paper”

Traditionally made with a hammer and punch tools on
stacks of tissue like paper so that several are made at
once.

On certain holidays, it decorated the idols in
temples and palaces. Other early uses of cutpaper also had a spiritual dimension: cutouts of
dark paper were made to represent evil spirits;
those of white paper represented good spirits
and were used by healers and witches in their
rituals.

One of the most popular Mexican celebrations is
El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). On this
holiday, colorful paper cutouts depicting dancing
skeletons, market scenes, or other everyday
activities are part of the offerings on family
altars.
Dia De Los
Muertos
November 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
motifs are preferred: a pair of doves for a
wedding celebration or the image of the
Virgin Mary for a religious holiday.
Day of The
Dead:
First Communion:
Quinceanera:
Wedding:
Summary:
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The term Papel Picado literally translates into:
Punched Paper
What Religion is Day of the Dead based in?
Catholic Religion
In early times, dark paper represented:
Evil
What kind of paper was the first Papel Pacido made from?
Bark Paper
What ancient Aztec Emporer was bark collected for as an
offering?
Montezuma II