Working Outline-TEMPLATE
Title of Speech: Alebrijes
Topic: Cultural artifact
General Purpose: Inform
Specific Purpose: Explore part of my culture
INTRODUCTION
Attention Getter: A specific video from the Disney movie Coco.
Thesis Statement and preview of main points
Thesis: Alebrijes is another way to connect with the dead. In the Mexican culture honoring the dead is by far one of the most important traditions.
Through the movie Coco, I was introduced to alebrijes. I became fascinated with them after I learned more about them.
The history of the mystical creatures and rich connection with the dead brought be closer to my ancestors.
Mexican culture is unique and compact with enchanting tales and legends.
Transition: Alebrijes became part of the Mexican culture as they became related to the day of the death.
BODY
Main Point I Dia de los Muertos has been one of the most celebrated traditions in Mexico. It is compacted with many high significance artifacts.
“Marigolds. Often called “flowers of the dead,” cempasuchil, or flor de muerto, these bright orange and yellow flowers’ fragrance is said to attract souls to the altar. Their bright and cheery color also celebrate life instead of feeling bitter about death”. (Schumer)
“In addition to being honored with ofrendas, canines are believed to play a special role in the afterlife. Xoloitzcuintli, also known as Xolos or Mexican Hairless Dogs, are revered as spirit guides to the kingdom of the dead.” (Roberts)
Transition: Mexico honors the dead and is always looking for a way to connect. Which is why the story of the alebrijes transformed the way Mexicans would see the day of the dead.
Main Point 2: Alebrije’s history was almost revolutionary back in the mid-1930s.
“The story says that while very ill Pedro Linares Lopez had a feverish dream where he saw mythical creatures and heard them say the name alebrije. “(Agur)
This story made and huge connection with the day of the dead. As the Pedro’s story became a near death experience. The people simply ha wanted to believe in any connection with our ancestors.
Transition: Alebrijes are unique and colorful as they are fruit of our creativity.
Main Point 3
They must have the 4 elements represented in each alebrije.
Each alebrije made must be unique and different. They are no identical alebrijes. As we all have one of own.
Transition: Which leads me to feel a certain type of pride in the Mexican culture.
Conclusion
Alebrijes became a huge part of the day of the dead tradition. The history and story revolutionized the way certain aspects of this tradition was seen. From the elements to the actual story. Alebrijes represents a great part of Mexican culture with colorful visuals and an enchanting legend.
Alebrijes is another way to connect with the dead. In the Mexican culture honoring the dead is by far one of the most important traditions.
Mexico’s culture is rich, colorful, and vibrant, influenced by its ancient civilizations such as the Aztec and Maya as well as European colonization. It is unique and probably one of the most fascinating cultures in the world.
*A Works Cited or Bibliography page must be attached to the outline*
References
Agur, D. (2018, April/May). Alebrijes. Retrieved April 18, 2021, from https://www.mexican-folk-art-guide.com/alebrijes.html#:~:text=TheAlebrijesareimaginarycreatures,theyarealsowoodcarved.&text=TheAlebrijewascreatedbyPedroLinaresLopezinthe1930’s.
Roberts, J. (2019, October 21). Xolo’s guide TO Día De Muertos. Retrieved April 18, 2021, from https://www.bringfido.com/blog/celebrate-day-of-the-dead-with-your-dog/
Schumer, L. (2020, October 30). The meaning behind marigolds, gladiolas and other día de muertos flowers. Retrieved April 15, 2021, from https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/a34076822/dia-de-los-muertos-flowers-meaning/