![]() Today is Cinco de Mayo and I cannot possibly teach art without teaching cultures. Other cultures incorporate celebrations, spirituality and religion. Even if we have different beliefs, knowledge is power and to know about these other cultures and their traditions is special. So, what is Cinco De Mayo? I'll tell you! Cinco De Mayo is an annual celebration held on May 5th. The date is observed to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza. It was a galvanizing victory for Mexico! Now, for the art.... Ojo de Dios or God's Eye. A God's eye is a spiritual and votive object made by weaving a design out of yarn upon a wooden cross. It is an ancient symbol made by the Huichol Indians of Mexico and the Aymara Indians of Bolivia. You can see them all over Mexico, in homes, hanging in doorways and windows... they are quite magical! It is actually easier to number your sticks. I start from the right side with 1. Then, I go counter clock wise 2, 3, 4. Make an X in the middle of your cross. Wrap the yarn once around #1. Go behind #2 and wrap in front. Repeat the process. Once you get the hang of it, it's simple and quite therapeutic. Continue the wrapping process as far as you would like. Then, when finished, tie your yarn off on the last stick or tape it. I taped it for this one because I was going to wrap more string to cover the tape. I added extra FUN to mine. Below, I will show you how to make a simple tassel if you want some to hang from your ojo de dios.
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About MeI am an elementary school art teacher that loves traveling, exploring and creating! Archives
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