July 1954 School Magazine

July, 1954

Bris·bane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1954

A STRANGE MEXICAN CUSTOM. "El Dia de los muertos," "The Day of the Dead," November 2, is the national holiday. This day is set aside by the Mexi- cans to remember their dead; preparations are earned out for days before. Special bread called "dead bread" is baked in human forms bearing two red stripes; special sweets for children in the form of skulls wi th bright tinsel eyes, and amusing toys are made which to our mind are horrible but readily enjoyed by the children-toys like tiny coffins from which a skeleton jumps when a string is pulled, dancing skeletons on sticks and many weird masks; in additi :: n, there are thousands of perfectly made miniatures of everyday things such as handbags, boots, sombreros, liqueur sets, donkeys laden with fruit , and a ltars. On the day itself, people flock to the cemetery with flowers for the graves, the marigold which is called "The Flower of the Dead" being used. Outside the cemeteries are vendors of flowers, candles of all colours, food, sweets and drinks. Many stay around making a social event of the occasion. Formerly the people would picnic at the graves but as drunkenness pre- vailed it is no longer permitted. In the evening there are masked balls with the guests dressed as skeletons and spirits. Altars are erected in the homes, for the people expect visits from their dead; food is placed on these, usually the dishes the dead person liked when alive. The people believe that the dead eat it in spirit and the living eat it afterwards. These "ofrendas" are usually very attractive with candles and incense burning beside the food; if a little child has died, a toy is often added. The Mexicans are fatalists in that they accep t death bravely and without complaint. They joke and play with death even while they weep. - FAITH MANN, IV. C.

OVERHEARD MARCH 17th. "That's my place, get out!" .... "Don't stand in front of me, you're bigger." .... "Here come the motor-bikes !" .... "Here they come !" . . . "Here they come ! !" . . . . (First car approaching), "Who ever is that !" .... "The third car." .... "Hurrah" . . . . "Git orf my toe !" . . . . "Hurrah !" . . . . "Hurrah !" ... . "Isn't she dainty?" .... "Oh, but isn't he handsomE !" . ... "What tiny hands !" .... "A lovely hat! " .... " .... beautiful frock, too !" ...."They MUST have to shine these cars."' .. .. "I got a photo, I Did, I DID!" ... . "He smiled a t ME he did .. Ohhhh! ! .... "The horses didn't come." ... . .. "A really wonderful day." "Roving Reporter." J.D.S. , V. A.

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THE SHADOW OF WINGS. Bright waves are breaking on the sandy shore, White caps of spume; flecked crests of rainbow hue . No sail in sigh!, no hi nt of man-made law, Only the undulating waters blue . A flash of white, and in the air there flew A sea-gull, uttering its plaintive . cry, And moving through the air with grace, as do All they who wing, like zephyrs in the sky; Which travel soundlessly, and when spent out, they die.

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"I L"=·- · ····- ---·--- -· ·····- .

Yvonne Burchill, IV A.

-- NANETTE BUCHANAN, III.A.

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