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Literary Calavera

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Posada's La Calavera Garbancera together with a literary calaverita in 1913

The Literary Calavera or calavera literaria (Spanish: literary skull) is a traditional Mexican literary form: a satirical or light-hearted writing in verse, often composed for the Day of the Dead.[1][2] In some parts of Mexico, it is a common tradition for children and adults to write "Calaveritas" (Spanish: little skull) for friends, colleagues, or relatives, in which the addressee is typically portrayed as dead.

History

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Initially known as panteones, these verses had their origin in the 19th century as mocking epitaph and a way of expressing ideas or feelings that in other occasions might be difficult to express.[3][2] For this reason they were often censored or destroyed, since they also often served as a means to express political satire.[3][2] The first calaveras were published in 1879, in the newspaper El Socialista, of Guadalajara.[2]

Features

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  • They are irreverent verses, written as epitaphs, portraying people as if they were dead.[4]
  • They are used to channel feelings that in another context would be difficult to express.
  • They are usually accompanied by drawings of skulls.
  • They are traditional Mexican compositions.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Argüelles, Juan Domingo (2 November 2003). "La adulteración de las calaveras". La Jornada en línea. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d González, Carmen (16 October 2008). "Son las calaveras literarias una manifestación de la cultura popular". El Sol de Tlaxcala. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  3. ^ a b Marroquín, Fausto Martínez. ""Calaveritas", una hermosa y casi desaparecida tradición". México desconocido. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  4. ^ "Qué es una calavera literaria | Calaveras Literarias". calaveras-literarias.com. 5 October 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  5. ^ "Características de las calaveras literarias | Calaveras Literarias". calaveras-literarias.com.mx. 26 October 2013. Retrieved 12 October 2020.