The Vetlatori Dance: "Little Angels go to Heaven"

This paper discusses the vetlatori dance performed on the occasion of a baptised infant's death in the Valencia region of Spain until about fifty years ago. Analyses of historical sources that emphasise the noble spirituality of the vetlatori dance are shown to be based on romantic views of traditional culture and emotions related to the loss of an infant, rather than on authentic information. Ethnographic and ethnomusicological data are presented to illustrate that the music and dances performed during the vetlatori dance were meant for entertainment rather than for spiritual impact. Recourse is also had to oral sources, particularly interviews carried out in the 1960s and 1980s with former infant wake participants who experienced the vetlatori dance, and who confirmed the popular nature of the music, song, and dances that were performed. Analysis of written sources and of the choreographic and musical characteristics of the dance also shows that the kind of music performed was typical of festive celebration in the Valencia region. Functional outcomes for such wakes are also proposed.

Guardian angels /

Mode of access: Internet.

Chasse of Champagnat, principal face, main plaque. Mary Magdalene, Christ and Martial; roof plaque: the hand of God flanked by two angels swinging censers

4 7/8 in.x 7 7/16 in.x 3 11/32 in.; copper, engraved and gilt; champlevé ename on wood core

Virgin and Child with Four Angels

Gerard David; 2 ft. 7/8 in.x 1 ft. 3 25/64 in.; oil on wood

Virgin and Child with Four Angels

Sassetta (Stefano di Giovanni); 8 1/2 in.x 11 47/64 in.; tempera and gold on wood

"Where angels fear to tread" and other tales of the sea,

"Where the angels fear to tread."--The brain of the battleship.--The wigwag message.--The trade-wind.--Salvage.--Between the millstones.--The battle of the monsters.--From the royal-yard down.--Needs must when the devil drives.--When Greek meets Greek.--Primordial.

"The Angels Appearing to the Shepherds" by Velazquez : a critical study /

With 2 typewritten letters by the author about the painting.

Planets and angels.

Poems.

The side of the angels,

"First edition."

Angels' wings, a series of essays on art and its relation to life. With nine full-page plates.

Mode of access: Internet.