OUR COMMUNITY
Embracing the Traditions of Mexico’s Day of the Dead
Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a vibrant Mexican celebration where families come together not to mourn, but to celebrate and remember their loved ones who have passed on. It’s a holiday bursting with life, colour, costumes, and joyful remembrance—a time to honour family and friends in an uplifting and heartwarming way. Let’s dive into the beauty and meaning behind this rich tradition.
The Meaning Behind the Celebration
Day of the Dead has its roots in centuries-old traditions, blending Aztec and Spanish influences into a joyful celebration that honors ancestors. It’s believed that on these special days, the spirits of loved ones return to be close to their families. This time is not just about remembrance; it’s a celebration of life, filled with stories and memories that keep the spirits of those we love alive and cherished.
Understanding the traditions and symbols
At the heart of Día de los Muertos are the stunning altars, or ofrendas, which serve as focal points for families to remember their departed relatives. These altars are lovingly adorned with marigold flowers, sugar skulls, candles, photos, and the favourite foods and drinks of those who have passed. Each element on the altar carries deep meaning:
- Marigolds: Known as “flowers of the dead,” they are thought to guide spirits with their bright colour and scent.
- Sugar Skulls: A playful symbol of life, these colourful treats remind us to celebrate, not fear, death.
- Candles: Lighting the way for spirits, candles, bring warmth and illumination to the altars.
- Photos and Personal Items: These cherished items help families remember and honour the unique stories of their loved ones.
Each piece tells a story and helps create a loving atmosphere where memories can flourish!
How to Celebrate Day of the Dead
Ready to embrace the celebrations your own way? Here are a few simple and fun ideas to get you started:
- Create an Altar: Set up a small altar at home to honor your loved ones. Add photos in a frame box, candles, candle holders, and meaningful items, like their favorite snacks or a memento that reminds you of them, like a tin heart or a dove.
- Decorate with Marigolds: Brighten your space with fresh or paper marigolds! These cheerful flowers instantly bring a festive vibe and symbolize the connection to the spirit world.
- Cook a Traditional Dish: Food plays a central role in the celebration. Try whipping up traditional dishes like tamales or pan de muerto (a special sweet bread) to share with family and friends. Cooking together can be a delightful way to remember loved ones.
Celebrate with Art: Infuse your home with the spirit of Mexico by incorporating folk art into your décor. At Origen Imports, we’ve curated a collection of stunning handmade Mexican and Guatemalan treasures—from hand-painted candle holders (candelabras) to vibrant Friday Kahlo keepsakes—each piece a celebration of this beautiful tradition.
Join us in celebrating the Day of the Dead with 15% off your entire order!
From October 31st to November 2nd, use code DAYOFTHEDEAD at checkout, available both in-store and online!
Whether you’re reconnecting with the memory of a loved one or simply embracing the vibrant beauty of Mexican traditions, Día de los Muertos offers a meaningful way to celebrate life, memory, and family. Explore our Day of the Dead collection at Origen Imports and bring a touch of this heartwarming tradition into your home. Join us in celebrating love, laughter, and the memories that keep us connected!
Love,
Rose Marie xx
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We’ve searched the world. Come and see what we’ve found at www.origenimports.com.au or come say Hola when you visit our boutique at 177 Glenferrie Road, Malvern, VIC 3144.
Images Source: iStock
DAY OF THE DEAD / DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
31 Oct – 2 Nov
We know it can be hard to understand the meaning behind Día de los Muertos, especially when you're looking at the bright colours and bright faces of the celebration. So, we decided to make it easy for you!
Here's what you need to know:
What is Día de los Muertos?
There's more to Day of the Dead than scary masks and skeletons!
Although Day of the Dead lands at the same time as Halloween it is not Mexican Halloween. Day of the Dead has a much deeper meaning.
The Day of the Dead is generally celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd, but some families may celebrate all month long!
It's a holiday celebrated in Mexico and Central America during which people honour loved ones who have passed away. The holiday combines Catholic traditions with Mexican/Aztec traditions that can be traced back thousands of years.
During the Day of the Dead celebrations, people dress up in costumes, dance and listen to music, go to parades and celebrate with friends and family. The holiday celebrates the act of remembering loved ones by placing pictures on altars in their homes or visiting cemeteries where they can pray for them together as a family unit or individually.
There are many ways people commemorate their loved ones on this day. Some people light candles and put out food for them; others build altars or shrines in their homes where they can honour those who have passed away; some even go as far as creating art projects out of flowers or other items that remind them of their loved ones who have died!
Celebrate day of the dead with us and enjoy a special 15% Off our Mexican Folk Art collection until 02.11.2023 - use code DIA15 at checkout xo
Desigual - No es lo mismo!
WHAT IS DESIGUAL?
In reality, Desigual isn't a brand. It's a group of people who believe in the power of creativity as a way of life.
Thomas Meyer created Desigual in 1984, in Barcelona, when he designed a jacket that is now considered one of the fashion sector's first ever up-cycled products. Then filmmaker Isabel Coixet whispered a word, "Desigual", and accompanied it with the motto "no es lo mismo" ("it's not the same").
Those years served as a meeting point for many people who were fascinated by this free, authentic, optimistic, unapologetic and Mediterranean universe which, from Barcelona, continues to inspire the world more than three decades later.
In 2020, Desigual realised that if there's something missing from the world, it's a little more love. Which is why they aim to inspire and help everyone celebrate their uniqueness and, also, to love differently. "Love Different" is their new brand claim.
Their vision is to encourage people to dress in a way that changes moods and makes a statement - because dressing is a declaration of intent.
MADE TO LAST
In terms of quality, Desigual has a reputation for using high-quality fabrics and materials in their designs. They pay close attention to detail in their production processes, ensuring that every piece of clothing is carefully crafted to meet their high standards. This focus on quality is reflected in the longevity of their clothing.
DESIGUAL & THE WORLD
Desigual has also made significant efforts to become more sustainable in their production processes. They use environmentally friendly materials such as organic cotton and recycled fabrics, which help to reduce their impact on the environment. In addition to using sustainable materials, Desigual also works to reduce waste and carbon emissions in their production processes. They have implemented a range of measures to minimize waste and improve their overall sustainability, such as using recycled packaging materials and reducing water usage in their production processes.
Their goal for 2023 has already been achieved in 2022, with 55% of garments now being sustainable. By 2025, all cotton used will come from more sustainable sources.
Plastic - Desigual have removed single-use plastics from product packaging, using 100% recycled plastic and only when necessary.
Carbon footprint - The aim is to be a carbon neutral company by 2025. In 2021, they had already reduced their carbon footprint by 57% compared to 2019.
Traceability and transparency - Desigual ensures that the factories, suppliers and materials they work with conform to the required standards and respect human rights.
Overall, Desigual's combination of quality and sustainability makes them the perfect choice for women who want to look great while also making a positive impact on the environment.
DESIGUAL SS23
Desigual is one of those brands that keeps us on our toes every season—they're constantly reinventing their signature prints and styles in new shapes and silhouettes and this season's collection is no exception!
The world is changing and we're changing with it. It is under this paradigm shift that the New SS23 Collection is launched, a collection where prints, colour and innovation in designs and fabrics set the tone for a new era. A new way of looking at elegance. A fresh energy based on self-expression and empowerment. New leaders that we can place our hope in for an inspiring future. New family structures that celebrate diversity.
We're loving their abstract and vibrant motifs bursting with colour and playful prints that are always reworked into new and refreshing designs. They're a true showstopper brand that doesn't target any age group—after all, age is just a number and Desigual does not have an age.
The brand is all about adding value with energy, style, classiness, and positivity; it's what keeps customers loyal to the brand and what keeps us wanting more! Always so exciting to bring you their new collections.... we hope you'll love it as much as we do.
Enjoy! Xo
Why we love Frida Kahlo?
She has such a recognisable face that seems to pop up so much– all through Mexican restaurants, painted on the sides of buildings, in tattoos and on home décor.
But who is Frida, and why is she so popular?
I first learned about Frida Kahlo at school when I was studying textile design. The main thing I remember about her was that she was this amazing feminist artist who endured so much but against all odds lived a passionate life.
For those who are not completely familiar with her, here’s a quick overview of Frida Kahlo’s life:
- She grew up in Coyocan, Mexico City, Mexico.
- She contracted polio at age six and was bedridden for nine months. This caused her right leg to become shorter, thinner, and weaker than the other and consequently hid her leg under magnificent Mexican skirts.
- In 1922, she attended the elite National Preparatory School with the aim of becoming a doctor. She was one of only 35 girls out of 2,000 students.
- She was academic and a voracious reader and became “deeply immersed and seriously committed to Mexican culture, political activism and issues of social justice”.
- She, and nine of her schoolmates formed a group which was rebellious and against everything conservative. They pulled pranks, staged plays, and debated philosophy.
- At age 18, she was involved in a streetcar/bus crash and was impaled through the hip by a steel handrail. Her spine and pelvis were fractured.
- She was in hospital for several weeks and had to wear a full body cast for three months. This accident caused a lot of physical and emotional trauma for Frida as we can imagine.
- Over the following years, she underwent 32 surgeries, dealt with extreme fatigue and chronic pain, and had multiple miscarriages.
- Always involved in politics, in 1927, she joined the Mexican Communist Party. There she met famous Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, who was 20 years older than her. They fell in a deep, passionate love and married in 1928.
- She went with Rivera to America in 1931 and visited New York City, San Francisco, and Detroit. She didn’t like many aspects of American culture and found Americans “boring”.
- Her and Rivera had a turbulent relationship in which he had many affairs, including one with Kahlo’s younger sister. This, obviously hurt her deeply.
- Frida also started to have affairs with both men and women, including movie stars Dolores del Rio, Paulette Goddard, Maria Felix and Leon Trotsky.
- Her and Rivera divorced in 1939 but re married a year later.
- Frida had three miscarriages and even though she wanted to be a mother and have a child with her lover Diego Rivera, she couldn’t. This did not stop her either; the anguish that she went through was shown in her art. She would paint the insides of flowers and fruits and used to say: “I paint flowers, so they will not die.”
- Between 1940 and 1954, due to her spinal problems, she had to wear supportive corsets – many which she painted on.
- At age 43, in 1950, her health had been deteriorating further. She was bedridden in hospital for 9 months but continued to work and paint. Increasingly she was confined to her home, La Casa Azul (the Blue House).
When I went to Mexico, my very first stop was La Casa Azul – I needed to see her home in person.
- In her last days, Kahlo was mostly bedridden, though she managed to participate with Rivera in a demonstration against the CIA invasion of Guatemala.
- In 1954, Kahlo died, officially by a pulmonary embolism, but many believe it was by suicide like so many tortured artists.
- The last thing she wrote was, “I joyfully await the exit – and I hope never to return – Frida” (“Espero Alegre la Salida – y Espero no Volver jamás”).
Fashion was as much a part of Kahlo’s paintings as her daily life. She spent hours in front of the mirror getting dressed and preferred to wear beautiful shawls around her shoulders, colourful ribbons threaded through her braids and flowers pinned to her hair, focusing attention on her shoulders and face.
Throughout the 1930s and '40s, Kahlo's style became synonymous with Mexican culture and her image made waves in the mainstream fashion world.
Artists and magazine editors have reproduced her bold style countless times (some featuring linen skirts, thick eyebrows, and hair adorned in flowers), she has also influenced designers like Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, and Carolina Herrera. Her corsets inspired Madonna’s famed “cone” bustier, designed by Jean Paul Gaultier for her 1990 Blond Ambition tour.
To me, Frida is a symbol of strength in the face of adversity. A symbol that disability doesn’t need to stop us, it can push us, make us think outside the box. It can influence us and make us better people/artists/creators for it.
She was confident, charismatic, and beautiful in a way that was unique to her.
She was wildly interesting and I can only imagine her as a queen for all who refuse to maintain the status quo.
“It is not worthwhile to leave this world without having had a little fun in life.”
Frida Kahlo was, is, and will always be an inspiration to a lot of people giving them hope and courage to be the best always.
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH ORIGEN'S FOUNDER, ROSE MARIE
Barry Made - new label alert!
We have recently discovered Barry Made and have fallen in love with everything about them...from their aesthetics, to attention to detail and sustainable approach, Barry Made is a well rounded label that caters to your casual needs.
We really wanted to put the spotlight on this label as we truly believe that each piece is so beautiful and considerate, so we got together with Maddie & Charlie, the designers, to bring you a fun and insightful interview. Hope you enjoy Xo
1.Tell us about Barry Made & the family connection with your brand.
‘Barry made is designed in Melbourne by two sisters, for all sisters.’
We are the next generation of sisters that share wardrobes and ideas. We have made a wardrobe for all sisters to share. Our casuals are elevated for anything the weekend may throw at you. Nuanced with a new season twist and made from beautiful fabrics to make weekends look as good as they feel. Our sweet spot is going home to the country on the weekends to spend time with family, whether together at home or out and about, barry made is for gallivanting in comfort, and most importantly on trend!
Fashion is passed through the generations, from hand-me-downs to shopping with family, and it has shaped our taste and values in quality and fabrics. Family has inspired barry made, it is what we all love to wear!
2. We know that you have been working with the same makers for over 30 years. Why do you think those relationships are so important to the core values of your brand and products.
Barry Made:
‘Made’ for family weekend time.
‘Australian’ boutiques.
‘Delivering’ high quality.
‘Elevated’ and edgy casuals.
We feel so fortunate to have experienced manufacturers crafting our clothes, the same manufacturers that have worked with our family for many years. Starting Barry Made just before the pandemic made us really rely on our makers, and we trusted that they would do everything possible to continue to supply us and our stockists without compromising on quality. We have the utmost respect for each others’ businesses, this strong relationship has given us peace of mind during these uncertain times.
Barry Made is crafted with respect for design, our production is small and special and each piece is packaged into beautiful recycled paper bags with cotton stitching. Each piece is made with quality when you have had makers for this long.
3. What are your favourite pieces in the new collection?
Maddie: Our Optical printed styles are my favourite, the colours in the print are easy to wear, and I have been rotating between the Bosco shirt and Wilmont duster all Autumn. I particularly love the Celena skivvy under the Wilmont duster, it’s optical gone mad and an illusion like no other!
Charlie: Dip dyed lounge collection, they’re my all-week-round picks. Day to day I wear this set with sneakers, and even when going straight from work to drinks I have thrown the Kemp in black check over as a duster. Love the ease of elevating our loungewear.
4. You are starting to get a bit of a cult following! Why do you think your products are so loved by your customers?
Thank you! It is really exciting for us to have the same customers looking out for our next collections and buying Barry Made from small boutiques each season. We both feel proud to see locals with a bm tote or wearing one of our staple shirts.
We really think what has set us apart from other casual brands is that our fabrics are comfortable and as we prioritise natural fabrics where possible they are soft on the skin, whilst being unique and on trend.
5. We are privileged to have your products both in store and online. What makes you decide if a retailer is a good match for your brand?
We are so proud to be available in Origen, thank you so much for supporting us! Origen has a wide product selection for all women, and barry made has its own unique spot on the shelf.
It is important for barry made to be represented by people who are passionate, inclusive, caring and kind, to not only us but also their customers. You’ve been lovely to work with and we look forward to designing new clothes for your customers each season.
A few fun questions
1. Paperback or Kindle?
We’re both old school – paperback!
2. What is on your Spotify playlist?
Working together 9-5 means our music taste has merged. We go from Fleetwood Mac and Earth Wind and Fire on the weekend with family, to Jungle Giants on weekdays.
3. Brunch or Dinner?
Brunch, always boozy!
4. Your local café?
The Coffee and Chai Latte morning run – Gaea on Gertrude St, Fitzroy
5. Air B&B or Luxury Hotel?
That’s easy - a cute Air B&B in a small country town.
Our latest obsession is tiny houses, we will be booking one of these for our next weekend away!
