The Star of David that lies behind the crucifix signifies that Jesus was
a Jew. The twelve stars that surround the nicho describe the 12 tribes
of Israel, the twelve months of the year, the 12 step program, the 12
days of Christmas, and especially what our
Lady of Guadalupe
symbolizes...a totally new creation, a totally new vision of the new
humanity, and a new cosmic order.
John the apostle had a vision, which
he cited, "And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the
sun and the moon under her feet and upon her head, a crown of twelve
stars..." (Rev. 12:1-2).
The angelito negro appeared on
Juan Diego's
tilma, its wings are painted with the colors of the Mexican flag, the
angel holds two ribbons: the colors of the American flag, and the flag
of New Mexico - all this symbolizing the new order: the mestizo people
of the Americas.
The nicho has the rays which surrounded nuestra Senora,
and within the nicho is the Virgin Mary holding the child, Jesus. The
roses depict what Juan Diego took back as proof of the apparition at
Tepeyac.
The premise for the mural was borne from the struggles that some of the
people in New Mexico have with being connected to Mexico, and in being a
part of the history of the
hidden Jews of the Southwest Again, we are
the children of the conquest...European fathers and indigenous mothers.
Email Helen at: hrael@pacbell.net