In many parts of Latin America this practice occurs on the eve of the new year as a symbol of ridding one's self of evil and beginning a new year in spiritual purity. Some communities observe this ritual using various effigies, including the biblical Judas (who betrayed Jesus), Satan, a harlot, or a Jew (represented by the stereotypical European depiction of a Jewish male with a goat beard, side locks, and a black frock coat).
We'll skip our standard speech about how Christianity wouldn't exist without Judas, and just share with you this shot from one of the various "Exploding Judases for Sale" market stalls set up around town. Not only can you pick up a little hook-nosed Jew but, if there's room on your tree, you can string up a little Negro child and set him on fire too!
Happy burning!
3 comments:
What, no Arizonian figures??
It's better they burn Negro and Jew dolls than immigrants who are kidnapped from a bus, que no?
Racial sensitivies aside, at least they're safer on that side of the border.
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