On Halloween, a contraction for All Hallows Eve, some Catholics, Anglicans and Episcopalians keep liturgical vigil of All Saints Day, which is celebrated on November 1st. Over the centuries, the honoring of the dead through worship, prayer, and community, have also been included by Christians into these celebrations. Hence, the celebration of "Día de los Muertos" in many Latin American countries. However, secular popularity of the celebrations have been influenced by commercial interests and pagan beliefs into what it has become today.
Please know that I'm not against the secular celebration, but believe it's important to be aware of its true significance. Therefore, I chose to make a tag in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment, and whose life story I find very touching. I used the Tim Holtz Cross and tiny tag dies to cut my bases and embellished them with original pen work. Then, I illustrated a figure of St. Francis with micron pens and Prismacolor pencils. I connected the dies with fine cording, added an organza bow, layered some paper flowers to form a ground for St. Francis to stand on, added some Stickles to the flame, and threaded some glass beads to the hanging cord.
In closing, I'll leave you with a prayer used during the All Hallows Eve and All Saints Day services. “Lord Christ, your saints have been the lights of the world in every generation: Grant that we who follow in their footsteps may be made worthy to enter with them into that heavenly country where you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen” (From The Book of Common Prayer. p. 111)
Beautiful illustration and a very interesting post-thank you
ReplyDeleteChrissie x
Good post! Valerie
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Arnoldo. I think this is one of my favourites of yours.
ReplyDeleteery interesting info in your post which I didn't know. Thank you for sharing :0)
Very nice tag as always!
ReplyDeleteA thoughtful post as always and superb art work. Carolyn xx
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWe all get caught up in the marketing of an event sometimes and it is refreshing to see the foundation of the celebration. Nice tag. Have to say though isn't Halloween fun!
ReplyDeleteMy father was named Francis for this saint. I love your tag!
ReplyDeleteyour tags are beautiful and very fitting for the theme. and anyway i am a big fan of st francis! there is such a very interesting interweaving of traditions underlying this season. i appreciate your post along with the, as always, gorgeous art. xo
ReplyDeleteLove your tag, beautiful thoughts and very apt for the theme, love it! X
ReplyDeletebeautiful tag and beautiful explanation - thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the beautiful tag and the enlightening post. We never celebrated All Hallows Eve in the churches I've been part of, and I think we've missed something. How beautiful to join in community and celebrate the lives of those who have gone on before us. St. Francis must have been an amazing man as "All Creatures of Our God and King" can attest.
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