Topic reflections on homeland and ethnic origins: Mexico

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 2^nd 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.

 

• Calaveras de azucar – Sugar Skulls. It remembers the death is our final destination.

• 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. 

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:

Good to have homework with different topics that it may increase our English vocabulary.