In 1992, Disneyland introduced a special Christmas event called "The Magic of Chrismax". This event was a celebration of the holiday season, bringing together the enchantment of Disney and the joy of Christmas. It was a truly magical experience for visitors of all ages. Walking into Disneyland during the Chrismax season felt like stepping into a winter wonderland. The park was adorned with beautiful decorations, including sparkling lights, colorful garlands, and breathtaking Christmas trees. Every corner of Disneyland was transformed into a festive setting, creating a magical atmosphere for the guests.
The voodoo doll:
Creation A Voodoo doll is either made by a Voodoo Queen or Doctor or a specialist is commissioned by a Voodoo Queen or Doctor to create a specific doll. A material from a place where a spirit roams, such as stones from a graveyard or white porcelain clay from a river where the Water spirit may reside, are also frequently used.
Every corner of Disneyland was transformed into a festive setting, creating a magical atmosphere for the guests. One of the highlights of the event was the Chrismax parade. The parade featured beloved Disney characters dressed in holiday attire, marching bands, and beautifully decorated floats.
1 legitimate new orleans voodoo doll
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The voodoo doll:
Creation: A Voodoo doll is either made by a Voodoo Queen or Doctor or a specialist is commissioned by a Voodoo Queen or Doctor to create a specific doll. This can only be done after the spirits have been invoked and have given their consent to the creation of this doll. However, a simple google search nowadays will bring you a huge quantity of 'one of a kind' dolls, mass produced for the influx of tourists New Orleans normally receives. The Voodoo Museum in New Orleans recommended that I contact The House of the Seven Sisters, who produce semi-authentic Voodoo dolls. Unfortunately, they never answered me.
Materiality: Everything about the materiality of a voodoo doll seems to physically mirror changing someone. They are most filled with soft cotton that is bendable and covered in cloth. In contrast, the pins are sharp and easily pierce the doll, without any effort. This lack of particular effort seems to present the targeted person as weak and very manipulatable. Louisiana dolls have no specific material requirements, although they are often stuffed with moss (the type used to fill mattresses). However, cotton, straw and old rags could also be used. There is far less rigidity in its materiality, however, many items of the doll are specific to the spirit to be invoked. The colour, for instance, can help attract a certain desired spirit, as the food arranged around the doll can. The cloths used are often very vibrant and fully resemble human clothing.
One of the reasons the materiality of the doll is so little developed may have to do with its origins. Because it evolved in slave quarters, it can be assumed that, in general, slaves did not have access to the best materials or the time to best use said materials. Therefore, the artistic value of the doll may have lessened. Furthermore, if these dolls were mostly effigies of slave masters, then perhaps beautifying them was not the primary goal of the slaves.
In the above example, the doll is extremely anthropomorphic, wears miniature human clothes and has basic human features. It is mostly made of cloth, and is very small.
The Minkisi:
Creation: Because Minkisi were community objects, the names of the individuals who created them are not known. However, the chief, nganga, and a sculptor normally worked on the creaton of an nkisi, the former bringing spiritual knowledge and the later providing construction skills. Most important Minkisi were created in an isolated, temporary place. The chief also created the pocket to be filled with the crucial medicines, such as herbs, fur, or seeds. The bundles are either attached around the neck of the figurine, or directly incorporated into its body; an empty hole in the place of a stomach can act as a medicine bundle.
Nsemi Isaki, in the 1900s, describes the sculptor's process of creation:
"In the past, when men carved figures they would first look closely at someone and then accoring to their skill cut down a tree suitable for carving. A carver would put eyes, ears, nose, mouth, neck as he had observed them. When he had prepared these features, if he had represented the person correctly, then it would look like him. For that reason they first shape the face and the whole head and neck and then finish the lower part."
Materiality: The materiality of a Nkisi can be viewed in two parts: what is intrinsic and what is added. The later is crucial for a Nkisi to actually become that-- without the medicine pouch created by the chief, it does not have power. Often, a sculptor must make a wooden figure without knowing what type of Nkisi it was destined to be. However, when the Nkisi was meant to resemble a specific person, the sculptor did know. The sheer quantity of material present on the average Nkisi is astounding, and even more astounding for a Nkondi.
In accord with the BaKongo view of humans and Minkisi, the medicine pouch is but a worthless container until it is filled. The 'medicine' was a metaphorical, or spiritual type of medicine-- it had no direct medicinal healing value. These included animal, mineral and vegetable materials. A material from a place where a spirit roams, such as stones from a graveyard or white porcelain clay from a river where the Water spirit may reside, are also frequently used. One of the items present in the pouch was a bodily link, like nails or hair, to the nganga who was overseeing the ritual. In a classic thing- changes- human- and- then- changes- thing, medicine is also incorporated in the body of the client. Tokens were put in the Nkisi, and the client drank potions and had lotions rubbed on his body.
X-ray of a Nkisi which shows magnetite crystals located inside the pouch in the stomach:
The list of materials frequently found in a medicine pouch was compilled by Nsemi Isaki in the 1900:
- Luyala (a fruit) - to hope that the nkisi may rule.
- Kala zima (charcoal) - to encourage the Nkisi to extinguish (zima) witchcraft.
- Mpezomo (copal resin) - in hope that the Nkisi's lightning will blind the witches.
- Lutete (gourd seed) - that it may cut down.
- Muzazu (a cocoon) - that it may stitch together.
- Lufulangi (a fruit tree) - that it may resuscitate.
An American missionary in 1902 wrote that the Minkisi were "decorated with strips of cloth and feathers, often with a bit of mirror set into the belly, behind which is the bit of rubbish containing the potent power. It is often a small sack made of pineapple fiber containing bits of stone, bird-claw and feathers, powder, pepper, bits of snakeskin, etc.”
Creation: A Voodoo doll is either made by a Voodoo Queen or Doctor or a specialist is commissioned by a Voodoo Queen or Doctor to create a specific doll. This can only be done after the spirits have been invoked and have given their consent to the creation of this doll. However, a simple google search nowadays will bring you a huge quantity of 'one of a kind' dolls, mass produced for the influx of tourists New Orleans normally receives. The Voodoo Museum in New Orleans recommended that I contact The House of the Seven Sisters, who produce semi-authentic Voodoo dolls. Unfortunately, they never answered me.
The streets came alive with music and dancing, as children and adults alike marveled at the spectacle. It was a truly unforgettable experience. Throughout the day, visitors had the opportunity to meet and take photos with Santa Claus and other Disney characters. Children's faces lit up with excitement as they got the chance to share their Christmas wishes with Santa. The characters interacted with guests, creating magical moments and memories that would last a lifetime. In addition to the parade and character meet and greets, Disneyland also offered special Christmas-themed shows and performances. From musicals and concerts to magical performances and fireworks, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The park truly embraced the spirit of Christmas, captivating guests with the magic of Chrismax. The Magic of Chrismax at Disneyland in 1992 was a truly enchanting experience. It brought together the beloved Disney characters and the festive joy of Christmas, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Visitors were transported into a magical world where dreams came true and the spirit of Christmas filled the air. It was a celebration of the holiday season like no other, leaving guests with hearts full of joy and wonder..
Reviews for "The Unforgettable Christmas of 1992 at Disneyland"
1. Jane Doe - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Magic of Chrismax at Disneyland 1992." The show felt outdated and lacked the magic and excitement I usually associate with Disneyland. The costumes were worn out, the songs were forgettable, and the storyline was repetitive. I was hoping for a festive and enchanting experience, but instead, I was left feeling underwhelmed.
2. John Smith - 1 star - "The Magic of Chrismax at Disneyland 1992" was a complete letdown. The production value was low, and it seemed like they were just going through the motions. The performances were lackluster, and the whole experience felt outdated. I expected more from a Disney show, especially during the holiday season. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time or money on this disappointing performance.
3. Sarah Thompson - 2 stars - I thought "The Magic of Chrismax at Disneyland 1992" would be a magical holiday experience, but I was sorely mistaken. The show felt outdated and irrelevant, and the performers seemed disinterested. The music lacked the catchy tunes and captivating performances I associate with Disney. Overall, it was a lackluster and forgettable show that didn't live up to my expectations.
4. Michael Johnson - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with "The Magic of Chrismax at Disneyland 1992." The show was outdated and lacked the enchantment I hoped to experience at Disneyland. The costumes were dull, and the performances felt uninspired. It seemed like a half-hearted attempt to celebrate the holiday season. Save your time and money and skip this disappointing show.
5. Emily Wilson - 2 stars - "The Magic of Chrismax at Disneyland 1992" didn't live up to the hype for me. The show felt outdated and lacked the magical atmosphere usually associated with Disney productions. The songs were forgettable, and the choreography seemed lackluster. Overall, it was an underwhelming experience that didn't capture the holiday spirit I was expecting.