This is a longer post than usual. Paul is one of my valued regular correspondents who recently made a trip around the world, including Mexico, to visit one of his sons, together with his wife, Lynne.

He writes:

Dear Chugley,  you may recall a few days ago you asked me to give you information on La Catrina, a Mexican icon found in different sizes, and in many different (usually flamboyant) costumes, but always in a skeleton form. She is a Mexican icon of the Dia de Muertos celebration – or “Day of the Dead”. (Sounds dreary, Chug!)

When we strolled around Mexico City and Cancun recently, we found that  this La Catrina character can be bought in her many forms at local markets, and she’s often seen in shopping centres. We even had a La Catrina sitting on the window sill of our next door neighbour’s apartment we rented while there.

The Mexicans appear to have a spiritual mix of Roman Catholicism, from Spanish days, and the fascination with death, that was part of the Aztec Indian culture. La Catrina (also known as La Calavera) is also a modern-day symbol of political satire in Mexico, over what has been endemic government corruption for decades….and she is also a symbol of the contrast between poor and rich in Mexico.

If you go to Google Images and type in La Catrina dolls, you’ll find lots of images.

I hope you can make something of her Chugley!

Well, I reckon it is amazing how you humans indulge in such rubbish! I make of her that yet again, you are indulging in idol worship of the most bizarre kind, without realising what you are doing. Situation normal for you, that is why I hesitate to join your tribe!

 

Gibber! Gibber!                                                             

CHUGLEY

The Bemused Chimpanzee