Introduction

Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Contents v
3. List of Illustrations vii
4. Preface ix
5. Introduction 2
6. 1. Syncretic Background of Todos Santos: The Spanish- Catholic Component 38
7. 2. Syncretic Background of the Cult of the Dead: The Pre-Hispanic Component 53
8. 3. The Syncretic Transformation of Todos Santos: Structure and Process 77
9. 4. Traditional Structure and the Ritual and Propitiatory Specialization of the Cult of the Dead 114
10. 5. The Celebration of Todos Santos: From All Saints Day to the Octava of All Souls Day 144
11. 6. Offerings to the Dead and the Household Altar 169
12. 7. Physical Forms and Symbolic Meanings of the Ofrenda 197
13. 8. The Decoration of the Graves in the Cemetery: Expressive Display and Symbolic Meaning 236
14. 9. Public Aspects and Sociological Implications of the Cult of the Dead 275
15. 10. The Ideology and Belief System of the Cult of the Dead 301
16. 11. Provenance and Amalgamation of Elements in the Syncretic Process 343
17. 12. The Transformation of the Cult of the Dead since i960 359
18. 13. The Expressive Approach 377
19. Conclusions 398
20. Notes 417
21. Glossary 436
22. References 445
23. Index 455