The culture of Mexico - one of the most unusual Catholic states - was formed due to a mixture of pre-Columbian American and Spanish influence, and in the last century it was heavily influenced by the United States. In this unique country, the beliefs of Indian and European civilizations coexist peacefully, and local residents respect and remember their traditions.
Interweaving traditions
The traditions of the Aztecs, Mayans, Toltecs, Spaniards and Americans are closely intertwined here. The primitive culture of the Indians was greatly influenced by the imposition of Spanish traditions. Conquistadors arrived in these territories, learning about the gold reserve of the Aztecs. The colonial period takes in the history of Mexico for three long centuries. Indigenous peoples at this time were imposed compulsory labor duties in the form of work on plantations, mines and enterprises, construction, per capita tax, in many cases Indians became hereditary debt slaves. The ancient traditions of Mexico are especially well preserved in the east, for example, in the state of Veracruz.
Culture and Customs
Mexicans have a cheerful and good-natured disposition. They like to communicate very much, and therefore often organize funny holidays. Celebrations are ubiquitous; some Mexicans like to celebrate at home. There are a lot of cars on the noisy streets of cities, music everywhere. Local residents are not particularly punctual, but this does not bother anyone.
In Mexico, parents are revered, especially the mother, they love children, they pamper them and allow a lot. Often families are not limited to one child. Mexican courtyards hide high walls from strangers, and in the courtyard there is almost always a garden, windows are protected by metal bars. The houses are modestly furnished with no frills.
Mexicans are quite well-mannered and polite. When communicating, the “senior” refers to a man, the “senior” or “senior" refers to a woman (married and unmarried, respectively). When meeting, the locals shake hands, and if in front of them is a woman, they add a kiss to the cheek. Mexicans are very hospitable and love to give presents. A good present will be a large bouquet of flowers. Drunk in public places is extremely undesirable, but smoking on the street is permissible.
Christmas in Mexico
Mexico celebrates both Catholic and local (traditional Native American) holidays. Christmas begins to be celebrated two weeks before the official date. In each village, ritual processions are held, at the head of which there is always Joseph and Mary, accompanied by children. People join the crowd, all moving towards the temple. Everyone can participate in theatrical performances, which are arranged about Christmas.
December 24, the whole family gathers at one table. It is customary to cook traditional Mexican dishes, to sort gifts that appear under the Christmas tree. In the national culture there is no Santa or his "substitute", so that gifts appear as if by themselves.
The day of the Dead
Mexicans are calm about death. This is not a taboo for them, but a favorite topic for jokes, so Day of the Dead is the most famous and popular Mexican holiday. Even the Indians believed that after death, the human soul goes to the gods. With the advent of Catholicism on these lands, ideas changed somewhat, but as a result of the mixing of cultures, a secular holiday of the dead appeared. On this day, Mexicans visit the graves of deceased relatives, inviting them to visit, bake special coffee bread and cookies in the form of skulls to decorate the graves.
Funeral processions in Mexico are traditionally accompanied by fun music and dancing. Every meeting ends for a long time with memories of the past. So death in Mexico is not mourning, but only an occasion to rejoice at the deceased, conduct him and wish a good journey. Typical souvenirs are skulls, jewelry in the form of skeletons, especially in the form of the skeleton of a mother holding a baby in her arms.
Carnival week
The culture of Mexico for a European is very exotic. What is Carnival Week, which is held before Lent. This is a bright period, which all tourists remember with enthusiasm. The most amazing tradition in Mexico is the Feast of the Oppressed Husbands. At this time, all men who are dissatisfied with their halves can indulge in the joys of life without fear of subsequent punishment.
Mexican folklore
Local folklore is distinguished by several colorful characters:
- Vaca de Pumbre. A demonic cow that rushes through the streets of cities at night, but does no harm to anyone.
- Duende. Tiny people who play the role of brownies. Also there is in the folklore of Spain and Portugal.
- La yorona. The ghost of a sobbing woman who is looking for her children.
- Nagual The evil monster that an ordinary person or sorcerer turns into.
- Tlaltecutli. A huge monster, covered with wool, with alligator and toad gills, on all joints of the creature there are heads that bite anyone who dares to approach.
- Chaneke. Demons living in the forest.
- Chupacabra. In Mexican folklore, a mythical creature kills domestic animals and then sucks their blood.
