Monday, December 12, 2011
Saint Juan Diego's Feast Day & Our Lady of Guadalupe
This morning, I drew Our Lady of Guadalupe, but did not color her in. I thought it might be fun for the kids to learn the symbols and meanings of the colors, color her, cut her out and then use her in playing. The more complete image with the rays and a more filled-out angel is seen on Juan Diego's tunic later in this post.
You can download her from here.
Here's the key to the symbols and colors:
Sash: The position of the sash (it's up high) and the folds in the tunic show that the lady is pregnant. The color should be black, which is symbolic of the Aztec maternity belt.
Pattern of the dress: Be sure to draw decorative flowers. The flor y canto pattern (flower and song) connect her to the native people and suggest divine revelation.
Her dress: A light rose/pale red is for the color of dawn. This color was hugely important to Aztecs, who saw considered the color to be the symbol of life, blood and earth.
Stars on the mantle: The eight-point gold stars are arranged as they would have appeared to Juan Diego in the night sky that winter in December 1531. Mary is also known as the Queen of Heaven, hence the stars.
Mantle: The blue-green color is the one worn by royalty according to the native people. The gold trim is symbolic of royalty and a person meriting great respect.
Moon: The moon was worshipped by the native peopole. By her stepping on them, it shows how the old gods do not exist, only the one god. Color the moon black.
Angel: In Aztec culture, only honored people would ever be carried around on someone else's shoulders. The angel supporting the Blessed Mother show that she deserves the highest honors and that even angels care for her. Color the angel wings maroon, gray and blue.
And then comes Saint Juan Diego ...
Far and wide, the most popular Paper Dali is the very humble and plain Saint Juan Diego. The story of how humble and kind Juan Diego was and his extraordinary encounter with the Blessed Virgin Mary ("La Virgen de Guadalupe") resonates with all of us who long to be as obedient, loving and humble as dear Juan Diego.
Read more about Juan Diego here.
Download a free black-and-white Juan Diego coloring page.
Download the tilma to color and place over Juan Diego here.