Sawdust and flower rugs, an ancient tradition of ephemeral art

 One of the Mexican traditions, a sample of the religious and cultural syncretism that occurs in Mexico, are the sawdust and flower rugs that are made on the floor, in different religious festivals.

This popular form of ephemeral art originates from two cultural sources: pre-Hispanic and religious. It is said of the first that they were the Lords and Priests of the theocracy, who used carpets of flowers, pine and feathers of birds such as the quetzal, macaw and hummingbird to walk on them.

The Spanish influence is related to the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem when the people spread mantles and palms in his wake.

It was from the fourteenth century when aromatic plants such as lavender, rosemary and rose petals began to be used in a journey that began and ended in flower arches.

Made for the religious celebrations of Corpus Christi, Easter or a saint in the neighborhood to thank a favor or miracle granted.

These rugs made by the local residents who are responsible for the design, are made with brightly colored flower petals such as bougainvilleas, chrysanthemums, roses, daisies and sunflowers.

Sawdust rugs have a more elaborate preparation but it is also a collective work. The first step is to sift all the sawdust to obtain an even texture and then it is dyed with colored anilines depending on the selected design.

There are places famous for their festivities with a carpet such as Xico, in Veracruz or the Huamantla fair, which is held in honor of the Virgen de la Caridad, the truth is that it is worth knowing this other Mexican tradition whose main element is color .

Photo: Roads Mexico