History of the dead

I have learned a lot about how Mesoamerican cultures honor, grieved, acknowledge, and care for the dead. Sometimes a major architectural structure within the city is built especially for their passing and magnificent sculptures, murals, and days are created to honor them (just like today). The Maya did not want their people to die. They cherished the living and also cared for the dead. I grew up in a family that always grieved deeply and we constantly remember our dead. I visit my friends, my family, and remember the pets I loved and will never be forgotten. There will be a time when I/we will be considered ancestors and my question to "you" is; will the civilizations of the future continue this long tradition of acknowledging the dead? Will one day everyone not care for the dead? We find out a lot about a culture by the way they treat their dead. We will be ancestors one day and students will study our rituals and beliefs. Will their way of disposing of the dead be more efficient, affordable, and the current way? With today's technologies will everyone begin to create "now that I am gone" movies?

Undirect Blog

I am not a big hair person. I don't spend more than 5mins in front of a mirror styling my hair. I am losing some of my hair and tiny pieces are going grey. What I am trying to say is that I am noticing that many mesoamerican images have exquisite hair ornaments and that their hair or area above their eyes was a pallet to help recognize and distinguish a persons identity or social status.

Each headdress looked one of a kind, and their incredible height, weight, and maintenance must have been very important to them.

I have seen folkloric dansantes recreate head dresses with green feathers but they don't really represent the images I am finding in the text book.

One movie that stands out to me as being a good representation is Apocalypto by Mel Gibson. There are many costumes that are more believable.

Mesoamericans didn't have all the luxuries we have today to express our individual style so I can see how they would spend so much time in their hair as being one of there more important personal identifications.

My baby was born 11/01/2008

Her name is Kalyse Marley Silva and she is my first.
I am really happy and really overwhelmed. Below are some pictures for your perusal.

I have been staying at the hospital and have not had access to the web till this morning. I have a lot to say about my experience and will post it soon.

take care, Jose Silva