Feature
HELMUTH HUMPHREY
Dia de los Muertos
by Helmuth Humphrey
I was raised in Germany surrounded by some
of the world’s most beautiful churches and
cathedrals. I have always felt drawn to religious
iconography and ritual, especially in relation to
death. Western culture traditionally regards death
with sadness. We are told we will reunite with the
departed in a distant future, in another world.
Dia de los Meurtos, a festival celebrated by
the indigenous people of Central and Southern
Mexico, affirms a joyous perspective of death. It is
their belief that the departed are alive in the realm
of Mictlan, waiting for an annual return among
the embodied when the veil between worlds is
thinnest. The dead, guided to their earthly homes
by candlelit paths of marigold flowers, reunite
with their families, listen to music, and enjoy their
favorite food and drink. Children witness love and
respect for the departed. Death is embraced as a
friendly aspect of life.
This vibrant celebration of the dead’s
presence contrasts starkly with our culture’s
somber mourning of the dead’s absence. I prefer
cascading flowers to flowing tears.
HELMUTH HUMPHREY
Helmuth Humphrey is a fine art and commercial
photographer, filmmaker and world wanderer.
His work, spanning locations from Iceland
through New Orleans to Oaxaca can be
explored at www.helmuthhumphrey.com.
HELMUTH HUMPHREY
JOHN WADSWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY
Death is
embraced
as a friendly
aspect of life.
WWW.HELMUTHHUMPHREY.COM
HELMUTH@HELMUTHHUMPHREY.COM
VOLUME I | 49