I was born in Mexico, which has different festivities and celebrations around the year. I miss be part of it. To me is more difficult to follow our traditions living in Canada, however we try it. One of the most important celebration is in November 2nd named Day of Dead.
Day of Dead is a celebration dated before the
Spanish conquer came to Mexico, around 500 years ago. This day is to honor our
death ancestors. Some places and some families follow this tradition in
different way, however they have always something in common. The Altar.
The Altar can be small or big. One of its characteristics is made it dedicated
to one or more people dead. Depends where it is located, for example in a house
it can be to the parents, siblings or any other relative. Like this one.
In the School or other public space could be to
someone famous as an artist, painter, writer or historic personage. Look this
one for Juan Gabriel (famous Mexican singer)
The altar at least most have:
·
Candle – It is
the guide for the souls to come to the altar. It can be with the image of any Saint,
Virgin Marie or not.
· Pan de muertos –
Spanish bread eaten traditionally in these days
·
Tamales and
other food that they enjoyed when they were alive. It is a dish made from Corn Flour wrapped with corn leaves.
- Cempasuchil flower. This colorful flower will show the way to the death too. Look and Mexican woman harvest in Puebla state in the back the Popocatepetl volcano.
- Glass of water. To the thirsty souls.
Finally, each altar can have toys if it is for a
kid. Tequila, liquor or cigarettes if the person liked to drink. If the family
is devote to any Saint or virgin, they will place that image close to a cross.
This tradition help to keep the memory of our people dead alive and close to us. It is an amazing time to spend around family and friends. To have those pictures make me feel more close to my homeland.
This tradition help to keep the memory of our people dead alive and close to us. It is an amazing time to spend around family and friends. To have those pictures make me feel more close to my homeland.
Self-assessment:
Writing this reflections help to express the Mexican culture in English. This work kept to me attentive to reach vocabulary that in my normal life I don't use.
Reflections:
