Santa Claus, the smell of cinnamon and cookies, a big ham, lots of family, twinkling lights of all colors. This is what comes to mind when I think of the winter season and Christmas. At least the images. To me, the holidays, essentially, after you peel away layers of various religions, really, all it is, is tradition and a great excuse to be with beloved family and friends.
How do our neighbors across the border celebrate this wonderful time of the year, what are their traditions? It's no surprise that many people will probably be separated this year from their families, locked away on opposite side of the borders. In light of the holidays being spent with the ones nearest and dearest to us, this itself is a travesty to the holiday.
In Mexico, religion marks the most important aspect of the Christmas holiday, and is taken very seriously. In preparation of Christmas eve, they celebrate the Posadas. These Posadas occur nine days before the 24th of December which is referred to as the "Holy Night" like said Christmas carol.
The Posadas re-enact the events leading up to Christ's birth. this includes Mary and Joseph looking for lodging , the nativity scene, three wise men ect. Almost every home has their own nativity scene in honor of this holiday.
Among other Christmas celebrations in Mexico is the traditional breaking of the pinata for children. although the pinata was invented and became popular in Italy it has become a Mexican tradition for children. The pinata is usually filled with peanuts, oranges, tangerines and sugar canes.
Much like our apple cider, Mexican adult also drinks a hot punch made from seasonal fruit, seasoned with cinnamon and usually with a shot of liqueur added to it. This seasonal beverage is called ponche con piquete.
Unlike most American families, who have long forgotten the religious implications of the holidays they celebrate, Mexican families typically don't open any presents on Christmas day. seeing as how that day represents the day of the birth of their Saviour, no gifts are opened because the day remains holy as a celebration solely to their Lord.
Pot-taaaay-toe, pot-tot-toe, it's all different and all the same. We seem to celebrate our holidays with the same things in mind, however the traditions vary a bit. The important thing to remember this holiday season, is that whether you say "Merry Christmas" or Feliz Navidad" or "Happy Chanukah" try to see that we are all part of the same race, not so different after all.
For more Mexican traditions visit these links!
here
and here!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Sentiments
This blog is going to vary a bit from the norm of border related/ Mexican culture issues and such. Rather I thought it would be appropriate to address this past semester. Being a part of border beat has been alot of fun. It's odd being a senior and having to question your place in the world Nothing makes sense and the norm is turned upside down as you search for something to hold onto.
I admit I have been in a daze for at least two months now, I call it "senioritis"come a tad early, seeing as how I don't graduate till May and am already finding a huge lack of enthusiasm for daily classes. You realize though, at one point,that nothing about your college career is permanent. All of your friends and peers have come from different cities and will soon be flying off to their new cities, myself included. Some will be staying, others going home, others finding jobs god knows where. Will I ever see these people again?
As we enter the "real world" as adults we will no longer be defined by hardcore weekends of costume parties and drinking. We won't be known for our quirks and stunts we may have pulled, or memories of good time past. We go out into the world to be defined by what we do in our careers and not by who we are. I won't be remembered as that "crazy hippie" who spouted debate and philosophy while drinking your boyfriend under the table. Nope, it'll be something like, that weird girl who doesn't seem to be a morning person and isn't enthusiastic about her desk job..yada yada
I think that's going to be the hardest thing for me to come to terms with. Being defined by what I do instead of who I am. People at work don't know the real me, only my peers do. This is hard for me to come to terms with. I find it hard to walk through my day knowing that the world of learning will soon end, and our generation is going to be shoved into an environment that doesn't want our generation of relaxed young workers.
USA Today wrote of our Generation. . . "They're young, smart, brash. They may wear flip-flops to the office or listen to iPods at their desk. They want to work, but they don't want work to be their life." And I completely agree, I don't want work to be my life. I know boo-hoo for me right?
But American is one of the most overworked countries, with the longest workdays and shortest vacation times. Maybe I'll go to France where they fight for higher wages and go on strikes if work days aren't shortened. They realize the importance of family and down-time. After all what is life if you just work it all away and then die? Where do we place our values?
Okay, maybe I have gone astray here but I'm trying to make a point...I think.
The article continues
For more articles on Generation Y visit these links:
USA Today
Reason Magazine
Time Magazine
It's a very interesting topic, will we as a new generation, just by our mindset alone, change the way the American workforce is run? Or will we fall into line like the baby boomers?
I admit I have been in a daze for at least two months now, I call it "senioritis"come a tad early, seeing as how I don't graduate till May and am already finding a huge lack of enthusiasm for daily classes. You realize though, at one point,that nothing about your college career is permanent. All of your friends and peers have come from different cities and will soon be flying off to their new cities, myself included. Some will be staying, others going home, others finding jobs god knows where. Will I ever see these people again?
As we enter the "real world" as adults we will no longer be defined by hardcore weekends of costume parties and drinking. We won't be known for our quirks and stunts we may have pulled, or memories of good time past. We go out into the world to be defined by what we do in our careers and not by who we are. I won't be remembered as that "crazy hippie" who spouted debate and philosophy while drinking your boyfriend under the table. Nope, it'll be something like, that weird girl who doesn't seem to be a morning person and isn't enthusiastic about her desk job..yada yada
I think that's going to be the hardest thing for me to come to terms with. Being defined by what I do instead of who I am. People at work don't know the real me, only my peers do. This is hard for me to come to terms with. I find it hard to walk through my day knowing that the world of learning will soon end, and our generation is going to be shoved into an environment that doesn't want our generation of relaxed young workers.
USA Today wrote of our Generation. . . "They're young, smart, brash. They may wear flip-flops to the office or listen to iPods at their desk. They want to work, but they don't want work to be their life." And I completely agree, I don't want work to be my life. I know boo-hoo for me right?
But American is one of the most overworked countries, with the longest workdays and shortest vacation times. Maybe I'll go to France where they fight for higher wages and go on strikes if work days aren't shortened. They realize the importance of family and down-time. After all what is life if you just work it all away and then die? Where do we place our values?
Okay, maybe I have gone astray here but I'm trying to make a point...I think.
The article continues
"Unlike the generations that have gone before them, Gen Y has been pampered, nurtured and programmed with a slew of activities since they were toddlers, meaning they are both high-performance and high-maintenance, Tulgan says. They also believe in their own worth."
"Generation Y is much less likely to respond to the traditional command-and-control type of management still popular in much of today's workforce," says Jordan Kaplan, an associate managerial science professor at Long Island University-Brooklyn in New York. "They've grown up questioning their parents, and now they're questioning their employers. They don't know how to shut up, which is great, but that's aggravating to the 50-year-old manager who says, 'Do it and do it now.' "
Okay, this is definitely true, and while we may be too vain about our own intelligence, maybe there is a point to be made. Chill out , relax and enjoy. Do I have a lot to learn? of course, we all do. Do I plan on freaking out and running random business reports the rest of my life? No.For more articles on Generation Y visit these links:
USA Today
Reason Magazine
Time Magazine
It's a very interesting topic, will we as a new generation, just by our mindset alone, change the way the American workforce is run? Or will we fall into line like the baby boomers?
Monday, November 12, 2007
When's the last time you wen to Rocky Point?
Now, it's true, Rocky Point, Mexico is sort of a cliche destination for tourists and college kids alike, just looking to get out of the States for some good old fashioned partying. That's why I go too I guess.
But for me, good old fashioned partying is me showing up at the border around 8 pm, driving another 2 hours to get into town. Hitching a tent at spot at the RV parks that is closest to the ocean or near the banos, whatever is open. and then proceeding to walk to the local bars while dining at the tacos carts paced every couple of buildings apart from each other.
However this local flavor seems to be a bit more overtaken by high rises built by American or wealthy international investors every time I go down to good old Rocky Point. The simple times of sitting on the beach and getting your one dollar taco are being infringed upon by "Luxury Condo's" especially at Sandy Beach, where basically everything costs just as much as the States, except they probably employ their Mexican workers for way cheaper, and then basically strip Mexico of all authenticity to appeal to the high status old white folks just wanting to get away.
I say, Bah Humbug to that, culture is being lost and thrown into the sand as we turn everything desolate and undefined into some corporate getaway full of the usual $10 daiquiri's and $15 taquito appetizer when you could get the same wonderful food on the street for a total of $4, plus you would be supporting local economy instead of putting it into the hands of people who certainly don't need anymore money.
So if you actually feel like visiting Mexico, go the old fashioned way, sit back relax by your tent, with the ocean as your front door, hey! you don't even have to shower for a few days if you don't want to.
For a nice, authentic, relaxing, and economically fiscal trip to Rocky Point, visit these Links.
RV Parks for Camping
Night Life
But for me, good old fashioned partying is me showing up at the border around 8 pm, driving another 2 hours to get into town. Hitching a tent at spot at the RV parks that is closest to the ocean or near the banos, whatever is open. and then proceeding to walk to the local bars while dining at the tacos carts paced every couple of buildings apart from each other.
However this local flavor seems to be a bit more overtaken by high rises built by American or wealthy international investors every time I go down to good old Rocky Point. The simple times of sitting on the beach and getting your one dollar taco are being infringed upon by "Luxury Condo's" especially at Sandy Beach, where basically everything costs just as much as the States, except they probably employ their Mexican workers for way cheaper, and then basically strip Mexico of all authenticity to appeal to the high status old white folks just wanting to get away.
I say, Bah Humbug to that, culture is being lost and thrown into the sand as we turn everything desolate and undefined into some corporate getaway full of the usual $10 daiquiri's and $15 taquito appetizer when you could get the same wonderful food on the street for a total of $4, plus you would be supporting local economy instead of putting it into the hands of people who certainly don't need anymore money.
So if you actually feel like visiting Mexico, go the old fashioned way, sit back relax by your tent, with the ocean as your front door, hey! you don't even have to shower for a few days if you don't want to.
For a nice, authentic, relaxing, and economically fiscal trip to Rocky Point, visit these Links.
RV Parks for Camping
Night Life
Friday, November 2, 2007
Dia de los Muertos, a celebration for the Dead
A tradition celebrated in Mexican culture, the dead of the dead lasts a couple days and starts on November 1st and runs into November 2nd. The holiday occurs around the same time as All Souls Day and Halloween, and though many may find the reason for celebration morbid. The day of the Dead is actually an ancient tradition that has alot of meaning to Mexican people and their loved ones that have passed.
The whole purpose of the holiday is to celebrate the loves of the people who have died, celebrate their lives and recognize their death. It is also a symbol of eternal life after death, to celebrate their passing into the immortal world.
The Day of the Dead traditions can be traced all the way back to the Mayan and Aztec peoples when "it was common to keep skulls as trophies and display them during the rituals to symbolize death and rebirth." However, on the Aztec calendar, the day of the dead started August 1st and lasted all month long.
The Mexican culture celebrates solely to rejoice that the soul is passing on to another life, the afterlife and rebirth through death. The holiday is celebrated in other Latin American countries and varied spots across the globe making it difficult to pinpoint all the traditions of this holiday.
In Mexico many families will prepare all year long for the festival, gathering food and other material items for their alter of worship. And sugar skulls are traditionally made, sometimes with chocolate and amaretto to add color and ornate design.
Living in Tucson, there is a Dia de Los Muertos Parade held on 4th avenue in honor of this holiday, for more information on Dia De Los Muertos celebration's around the world check out this link.
The whole purpose of the holiday is to celebrate the loves of the people who have died, celebrate their lives and recognize their death. It is also a symbol of eternal life after death, to celebrate their passing into the immortal world.
The Day of the Dead traditions can be traced all the way back to the Mayan and Aztec peoples when "it was common to keep skulls as trophies and display them during the rituals to symbolize death and rebirth." However, on the Aztec calendar, the day of the dead started August 1st and lasted all month long.
The Mexican culture celebrates solely to rejoice that the soul is passing on to another life, the afterlife and rebirth through death. The holiday is celebrated in other Latin American countries and varied spots across the globe making it difficult to pinpoint all the traditions of this holiday.
In Mexico many families will prepare all year long for the festival, gathering food and other material items for their alter of worship. And sugar skulls are traditionally made, sometimes with chocolate and amaretto to add color and ornate design.
Living in Tucson, there is a Dia de Los Muertos Parade held on 4th avenue in honor of this holiday, for more information on Dia De Los Muertos celebration's around the world check out this link.
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