Podcasts > NPR's Book of the Day > With 'Mystical Lotería,' Yvette Montoya reimagines a traditional Latino party game

With 'Mystical Lotería,' Yvette Montoya reimagines a traditional Latino party game

By NPR (podcasts@npr.org)

In NPR's Book of the Day podcast, Yvette Montoya shares how she reimagined the classic Mexican game of Lotería, blending her spiritual practices as a bruja (witch) with vibrant, diverse symbols representing healing modalities, herbs, and Latin American spirituality. Her work, including "Mystical Loteria," aims to destigmatize the term "bruja" and embrace the rich array of spiritual practices it encompasses.

Montoya discusses the connections between her game and ancestral veneration in Latino culture, as well as the inspiration she drew from the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted her spiritual awakening and interest in alternative healing. Through this podcast episode, listeners gain insight into Montoya's personal brujeria journey and the cultural significance of "Mystical Loteria."

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With 'Mystical Lotería,' Yvette Montoya reimagines a traditional Latino party game

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Nov 13, 2024 episode of the NPR's Book of the Day

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With 'Mystical Lotería,' Yvette Montoya reimagines a traditional Latino party game

1-Page Summary

Yvette Montoya's "Mystical Loteria" Game

Montoya Blends Spirituality with Lotería

Yvette Montoya fell in love with the classic Mexican game of Lotería in college and aimed to blend her spiritual practices as a bruja (witch) into a reimagined version - "Mystical Loteria."

Unique Art and Symbols

Montoya collaborated with artist Diop Pacheco to create vibrant, diverse symbols embodying various healing modalities, herbs, and Latin American spirituality. Pacheco's artwork beautifully translates Montoya's vision of celebrating heritage through art and mysticism.

Destigmatizing the Term "Bruja"

Montoya embraces identifying as a bruja and seeks to destigmatize the term, showcasing the rich array of spiritual practices it encompasses. Her work, including "Mystical Loteria," shares her personal brujeria journey.

Connections to Day of the Dead

Montoya highlights ancestral veneration's importance in Latino culture, once lost but now resurging. Films like "Coco" made Day of the Dead traditions more accessible. Montoya advises crafting personalized, culturally resonant altars to honor ancestors.

Inspiration from COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic prompted Montoya's spiritual awakening, leading her to explore practices like brujeria, energy work, and ancestral spirits. This inspired incorporating such elements into "Mystical Loteria" as interest in alternative healing grew.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • You can create a personal deck of cards that reflect your cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs by selecting symbols and concepts that resonate with you and designing a set of cards either by hand or using a simple online design tool.
    • This activity allows you to explore your roots and personal beliefs in a creative way. For example, if you have Irish ancestry, you might include symbols like the Celtic knot or the Claddagh, and pair them with concepts that hold personal significance, such as resilience or family.
  • Start a journal where you document your reflections on spirituality and cultural practices, using prompts that encourage you to think about how these aspects influence your daily life.
    • This practice can help you to connect more deeply with your spiritual side and cultural identity. For instance, you might reflect on a time when you felt particularly connected to your ancestors or consider how certain cultural traditions have shaped your worldview.
  • Engage in a simple daily ritual that honors your ancestors, such as lighting a candle or placing a small offering of food or flowers on a windowsill or shelf in your home.
    • This act serves as a physical reminder of your connection to your lineage and can be a grounding start or end to your day. If you come from a coastal culture, you might choose to offer seashells or a bowl of saltwater as a way to pay homage to your seafaring ancestors.

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With 'Mystical Lotería,' Yvette Montoya reimagines a traditional Latino party game

Yvette Montoya's "Mystical Loteria" game/book and its reimagining of the traditional Lotería game

Yvette Montoya has reinvented the beloved traditional Mexican game of Lotería by incorporating elements of spirituality and healing in her unique "Mystical Loteria" game described with engaging artwork by Diop Pacheco.

Montoya's motivation for reimagining the classic Lotería game

Montoya discovered and fell in love with the classic game of Lotería during her college years. Although she did not play it as a child, she quickly became enamored with its rich imagery, art, and cultural significance. Motivated by her personal spiritual practices as a bruja, or witch, Montoya aimed to blend these elements into the traditional game. Her goal was twofold: to reimagine Lotería in a way that faithfully represents her spirituality and to demystify mystical traditions, making them more approachable and less intimidating to others.

The unique components of "Mystical Loteria"

Montoya's reimagination of the Lotería is evident in the game's unique components. Unlike traditional Lotería cards, "Mystical Loteria" game boards and cards feature an intentional selection of diverse symbols. These include imagery reflective of various healing modalities, herbs, elements, and other aspects connected to Latin American culture and spirituality. To accompany these vibrant new symbols, Montoya provides a booklet filled with definitions and comprehensive background information on each card symbol. This acts as an educational tool, further demystifying the mystical elements within and broadening players' understandi ...

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Yvette Montoya's "Mystical Loteria" game/book and its reimagining of the traditional Lotería game

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Counterarguments

  • Traditionalists might argue that the original Lotería game is a cultural staple and that altering it dilutes its historical and cultural significance.
  • Some may question whether the incorporation of spirituality and healing aligns with the original intent and playful nature of Lotería, which is traditionally a form of social entertainment.
  • Critics might suggest that the educational aspect of the "Mystical Loteria" could interrupt the flow of the game, making it less of a leisure activity and more of a learning experience.
  • There could be concerns about the commercialization of spiritual practices, with critics arguing that it is inappropriate to monetize and package spirituality and cultural elements for entertainment purposes.
  • Skeptics of spirituality and mysticism might dismiss the added elements as lacking scientific basis or as superstitious, thus not seeing the value in integrating them into a game.
  • Som ...

Actionables

  • You can personalize a familiar board game by integrating elements that reflect your own cultural heritage or interests. Start by choosing a game you love and brainstorm ways to incorporate symbols, characters, or themes that resonate with your background or passions. For example, if you're into astrology, you might replace traditional game pieces with zodiac signs and create cards that offer a fun, educational twist on horoscope readings.
  • Create a themed event night based on the concept of blending games with learning. Invite friends or family over for a game night where each game played includes an educational component related to spirituality, wellness, or cultural history. You could play a trivia game with questions about herbal remedies or a card game where each suit represents a different cultural tradition.
  • Design a simple, printable card deck ...

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With 'Mystical Lotería,' Yvette Montoya reimagines a traditional Latino party game

The cultural and spiritual significance of the term "bruja" (witch) and its role in Montoya's work

Montoya’s work profoundly explores the cultural and spiritual layers of the term "bruja" or witch, highlighting its complexity and significance in her personal and professional life.

The evolving and diverse meanings of "bruja"

The term "bruja" encompasses a wide range of spiritual practices and modalities, and Montoya aims to destigmatize it as part of her work.

Montoya is dedicated to destigmatizing the term "bruja," which covers a vast array of spiritual practices and modalities. In her pursuit, she addresses the various cultural connotations and embraces the richly diverse identity incorporated within the term.

Montoya's personal connection to the term "bruja"

Montoya considers herself a bruja and wants to share her personal spiritual practices through "Mystical Lo ...

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The cultural and spiritual significance of the term "bruja" (witch) and its role in Montoya's work

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The term "bruja" may have different connotations in various cultures, and not all may view the reclamation or destigmatization of the term positively.
  • While Montoya's work aims to destigmatize the term "bruja," it could be argued that her personal interpretation and practices may not resonate with or accurately represent all individuals who identify with the term.
  • The effectiveness of Montoya's work in destigmatizing the term "bruja" could be questioned if it does not reach or impact the broader community that holds negative views of the term.
  • The commercialization of spiritual practices, such as through projects like "Mystical Loteria," might be seen by some as undermining the authenticity or sacredness ...

Actionables

  • You can explore the historical context of spiritual terms by reading books or articles on the evolution of language in spirituality to understand how terms like "bruja" have changed over time. This will give you a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of such terms and how they relate to modern practices.
  • Start a journal to document your own spiritual journey, noting any practices or beliefs that resonate with you, without the pressure of labeling yourself. This personal record can help you see your spiritual evolution and how different concepts, like those of "bruja," fit into your life.
  • Engage in conversations with ...

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With 'Mystical Lotería,' Yvette Montoya reimagines a traditional Latino party game

The connections between Day of the Dead traditions and Montoya's Lotería-inspired project

The Day of the Dead traditions hold significant cultural importance within Latino communities, and this has been artistically interpreted through Montoya's innovative Lotería-inspired project. The project and its inspirations aim to honor ancestors and provide accessible ways for people to connect with their heritage.

The significance of ancestral veneration in Latino culture

Ancestral veneration is a crucial aspect of many societies, and it holds a prominent place within Latino culture. Montoya emphasizes that this practice, once lost during the period of colonization, is experiencing a resurgence. Montoya stresses the importance of recognizing and honoring ancestors as an integral tradition among Latino people.

The impact of the film "Coco" on reviving Day of the Dead traditions

The animated film "Coco" played a pivotal role in bringing Day of the Dead traditions to a wider audience, according to Montoya. The movie's vibrant portrayal of these customs has provided an engaging and colorful entry point for individuals looking to connect with their ancestry. "Coco" has been successful in making the exploration of ancestral veneration and Day of the Dead traditions more approachable for those curious about their own heritage.

Montoya's tips for creating a meaningful Day of the Dead altar

In providing guidance for crafting a ...

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The connections between Day of the Dead traditions and Montoya's Lotería-inspired project

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • A Lotería-inspired project is a creative endeavor that draws inspiration from the traditional Mexican game of Lotería, which is similar to bingo. In this context, it suggests that Montoya's project is influenced by the imagery, themes, and cultural significance associated with Lotería cards. Montoya's project likely incorporates elements from Lotería, such as the iconic illustrations and symbols, to create a unique artistic expression that resonates with Latino culture and heritage. The project may use the visual language of Lotería to explore themes related to ancestry, tradition, and community in a contemporary and innovative way.
  • Ancestral veneration is a practice where respect and homage are paid to deceased family members. It involves rituals and traditions aimed at honoring and remembering ancestors. This practice is common in various cultures worldwide and plays a significant role in maintaining cultural heritage and family connections. Ancestral veneration can involve creating altars, offering prayers, and observing specific ceremonies to show reverence to those who have passed on.
  • The Day of the Dead is a traditional holiday celebrated in Mexico and by people of Mexican heritage to honor deceased loved ones. It involves gatherings, creating altars with offerings, and visiting graves with gifts. The holiday has both festive and solemn aspects, incorporating elements like calaveras (skulls), marigold flow ...

Counterarguments

  • The significance of Day of the Dead traditions may vary within Latino communities, and not all individuals may feel connected to or participate in these practices.
  • Artistic interpretations like Montoya's project, while innovative, may not resonate with all members of Latino communities, as interpretations of cultural traditions can be subjective.
  • The resurgence of ancestral veneration in Latino culture may not be uniform across all regions or demographics, and some may argue that it never diminished to the extent suggested.
  • While "Coco" popularized Day of the Dead traditions, some may argue that it also commercialized or oversimplified the traditions, potentially leading to misunderstandings about the cultural significance.
  • The tips for creating a Day of the Dead altar ...

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With 'Mystical Lotería,' Yvette Montoya reimagines a traditional Latino party game

Montoya's personal journey and experiences that inspired the creation of "Mystical Loteria"

Montoya's creative process behind "Mystical Lotería" stems from both her discovery of the traditional Mexican game and a profound spiritual awakening she experienced during a global crisis.

Montoya's discovery of Lotería and her desire to reimagine it

Although Montoya did not grow up playing Lotería, she encountered the game in college and immediately became fascinated by its rich imagery and cultural significance. The traditional game's potential for a deeper, more personal reinterpretation inspired Montoya to reimagine it through her own artistic lens.

Montoya's spiritual awakening during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a significant turning point for Montoya, shifting her perspective and highlighting the importance of alternative healing modalities and ancestral veneration. The period of global uncertainty prompted Montoya to delve deeper into practices such as brujeria, ene ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

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Montoya's personal journey and experiences that inspired the creation of "Mystical Loteria"

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • Explore the art and symbolism of traditional games from your own or other cultures to deepen your understanding of cultural narratives. Start by researching games with rich histories, like Tarot or Mahjong, and study the imagery and stories behind them. This can be done through online articles, visiting cultural centers, or even playing the games to experience the symbolism firsthand.
  • Integrate alternative healing practices into your daily routine for personal exploration. Begin with simple, accessible activities like meditation, yoga, or the use of essential oils to see how they affect your well-being. Document your experiences in a journal to track changes in your perspective or creative output over time.
  • Create a personal art ...

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