How to make a poinsettia banner for the Day of the Dead

Josephine shows you how to make a Poinsettia banner. During the Day of the Dead Celebrations in Mexico, many people make poinsettia banners as decoration. Such banners are known as "papel picados", which literally means perforated paper. The act of cutting paper into elaborate designs is an art form in Mexico, and such art work is displayed for many major Mexican holidays. The use of paper cutouts in ceremonies and celebrations is an ancient tradition which can be traced back to the Aztecs, who once decorated their temples, homes, and streets with banners cut from a rough paper. They made this rough paper from the bulk of mulberry and wild fig trees, and their creations brightened up many rituals. Today, most papel picados are made from inexpensive tissue paper, and poinsettia banners are a favorite design to make. The banners can be large or small, simple or complex, and are limited only by the maker's imagination. Watch this video crafting tutorial and learn how to make a paper poinsettia banner.