Article from the past! — August 15, 2015 

There are songs which can touch the very heart of the inner spirit; music which inspires faith in all stages of a spiritual life. For me, this song came from the appreciation and motivation of its meaning as described to me by my mother, Doña Flora.

De Colores is a powerful tune which is said to be of unknown origin. It translates in English to: The Colors. There have been a few references that suggested the song came from Spain as early as the 16th century. Who had written it and the inspiration behind the words remains unknown. Too, it hadn’t been attached to any particular sect or denomination. Never the less, for my mother, the song had always been powerful and divine.

This beautiful hymn speaks to the blending of colors… combining the hues of the rainbow with the vastness of the fields and the brilliance of the majestic sun with the singing of the birds. It combines all that is in the world under one grand halo formed by the Creator. I personally appreciate the brilliant message of spreading light, celestial grace, and combining all shades of color unto the earth as one, created out of the infinite love of the divine. And I had learned to appreciate the song through the use of it in church.

Doña Flora had been a member of the Cursillos in Christianity Movement in our church. She’d been an active leader in the group, often participating in the three day retreats. On the retreats, people would pray, sing, study, and speak on spiritual topics. At the end of the three days, there would be a send-off of the participants as they prepared to return to the community. The celebrations had included a Eucharistic celebration, testimonials, inspirational music, and food. This is where my mother had first heard the beautiful song.

The song, De Colores, has been used in many ceremonies. It’s a song that my mother had often said connected her to the Earth and Heaven. It empowers and binds people together for a higher good.

You can listen to my version here:

My mother had often enjoyed singing it over the Cursillo weekend. De Colores has also been associated with farm workers; with the union members singing the powerful song during rallies. With its upbeat tune and uplifting message, it had been a way of empowering and uniting the union members with the earthly land they loved and worked.

(Enjoy the article about chickens? — Here is a humorous video posted from the old Flora’s Legacy!
Feel free to laugh out loud!)