| The Easter Alfombra Saturday March 30th, 2002 |
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| The Easter Alfombra Saturday March 30th, 2002 |
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Cool temperatures and a brisk 25 mph hour wind were not enough to deter a group of hardy volunteers as they set out to create this year’s Easter alfombra. An alfombra is an artistic carpet created from colored sawdust, flowers and other organic 
materials. The annual event, now in its sixth year, was established to reflect the solidarity St. Joan of Arc shares with its sister parish Tierra Nueva Dos in Guatemala. This year’s theme “Lord Make Us Instruments of Your Peace” reflects the parishes’ commitment to peace in the wake of September 11.
Using a car as a windbreak, the alfombra was created by laying a base of plain sawdust in an 8' by 10' frame. A second layer of yellow sawdust was then sifted over the top. Templates were carefully placed to create the multicolored border, reminiscent of the colorful woven cloths of Guatemala. Other templates were used to create the dove and quetzal birds, the olive branches, and the lettering. Constant watering is necessary to keep the sawdust from blowing. This becomes especially important in an atmosphere of high wind gusts and as new colors are added. Various seeds, including split peas in the olive branches and pinto beans in the lettering, were used to provide a texture contrast and an extra layer of weight on the sawdust.
The project was coordinated and led by sister parish committee members Rick Nelson, Tim and Mary Beth Leone-Getten, and Mindy Ahler-Olmstead. About 50 enthusiastic volunteers, including Joel Papa, 7-year-old Joe Peacock and 16-year old Kelly Striegel, arrived throughout the day to work on laying templates, sifting sawdust, spraying water, shuttling supplies and cutting endless letters to create the cardboard templates. “The project would not have been possible without all their help, “ says Mindy, “it was great to see some old pros and many new faces. We are thankful for all the people who participated.”
While the actual construction of the alfombra took place over a day, the planning and preparation process has been occurring for much longer. Sawdust is collected throughout the year - this year’s base layer is the remnant of a floor-refinishing project. Mindy “Dye Queen” Ahler-Olmstead, creates the colorful sawdust by mixing wood dye powder with water in a tub and then adding sawdust. Color variation is achieved by adjusting water levels and the amount of sawdust. Obtaining the desired color involves the artful blending of dye powder and persistence. At the end of the construction process, any leftover sawdust is saved for the next year’s project.
Determining the theme is a collaborative effort between Tierra Nueva Dos and members of SJA’s sister parish project. The events of September 11 prompted themes of peace - the dove and olive branches. The dove shares the olive branches with a quetzal bird, the national bird of Guatemala. The ancient Maya considered the quetzal a symbol of life and freedom. Priests and nobles once wore its long tail feathers as a sign of special power. Today, the quetzal is an endangered species. Because a quetzal will die in captivity, it stands as a fitting symbol for the strength and resilience of the Mayan people and their quest for a true and lasting peace.
These symbols rest between the first line of St. Francis’ Prayer for Peace, “Lord Make Us Instruments of Your Peace,” written in both Spanish and English. The Prayer for Peace is recited each week at both St. Joan of Arc and Tierra Nueva Dos. These words and symbols of peace result in a beautiful alfombra with a powerful message for our work as peacemakers.
Throughout Guatemala, the creation of sawdust carpets is an integral part of the Lenten season. Families and friends gather to work on the intricate patterns using colored sawdust and the abundant supply of flowers available in the area. The most elaborate carpets may take 20 hours to create yet only minutes to be destroyed in a Lenten procession. The carpets are created as a sign of the participant’s faith in God and in remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus.
The alfombra tradition has its origins in Spain and is a mixture of Spanish and indigenous customs. In the Maya culture, when important dignitaries would pass by, flowers were laid down to announce their presence. The mixing of plants with sawdust, sand and other materials into design patterns is a Moorish custom that was passed on to Spain. Later, Spain brought alfombras to Latin America. The word alfombra, which is Arabic in origin, means "carpet."
Expect a seventh annual Easter alfombra in 2003. No doubt the weather will be nicer and the workers will be their same friendly selves. Consider joining in the construction process next Holy Saturday. Sister Parish meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Center if you are interested in the behind the scenes planning that surrounds our relationship with our brothers and sisters in Guatemala.
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