New! All Souls Day – Day of the Dead / Dia de los Muertos– Halloween Holy Card – pack of 10/100/1000

All Souls Day, November 2, is a day for remembering and honoring all the faithful departed, especially those still in purgatory. It is also the day Mexicans celebrate and remember all the faithfully departed who are beloved family and friends. It is called Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). On All Saints’ Day, deceased children are also celebrated and remembered; Día de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels) or Día de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocent).

Despite what the media tells you, the day has nothing to do with Native American culture but is a Catholic observance that Native Americans celebrated in their own way, as in every Catholic country in Europe, Asia, or Latin America. (source: Catholic Answers.)

On the front is a Memento Mori by Herman Henstenburgh (Dutch, 1667–1726), “Vanitas Still Life.” It reminded us of the beautifully decorated skulls which are often used in this celebration. He was a Dutch painter who made his living painting floral still lives, as well as being a pastry chef! The painting is housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

José Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913) is one of Mexico’s most important visual artists. La Calavera Catrina (the dapper female skull) is an important cog in the visual history of this holiday, but wasn’t right for us to use on the front of this holy card.

(I know this is an Anglo version of a Latin American holiday, but I don't need to explain this holiday to people who already practice it! Also, there is not any fine art for the front that is also Latino and in the public domain that I can find, except maybe one by Diego Rivera... :)

This is one of a series of Halloween cards we have made to help nudge the celebration of the holiday back towards God, where it came from. Planting seeds! You can find the whole collection in our store by searching for “Halloween”. We have some for little kids, and some, like this one, for older kids and adults.

2.75x4.25 inches

Sturdy 14 point cardstock.

Matte finish to help keep fingerprints off.

Crystal clear plastic sleeves available.

Thank you for your interest.

Sue and John Johnson

St. Mary's Parish, Lincoln, Nebraska

"In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art." St. Pope John Paull II, in his "Letter to Artists," 1999.

Image Restoration and Card © www.CatholicArtAndJewelry.com