ELEMENTS OF THE MEXICAN CULTURE
Cultural Map
Mexico is known for its high involvement with drug cartels. As you can see here, there are eight major drug cartels that have claimed territory in about 75% of the country. The presence of these cartels has a great impact on the culture of the countries culture for economic, safety, and political reasons. These drug cartels can also be considered a cultural group of their own seeing as they all have different rules, live in different areas, and have different ways of life. The never ending war between said drug cartels has had a great impact on the Mexican culture because cultural groups have partially or completely been destroyed due to killings over drug and territory disputes. Finally, the presence of the drug cartels have impacted cultures who are not directly related to these groups because they have created a sense of fear within the entire country changing the culture and ways of life of nearly everyone in Mexico.
Drug Cartel Areas in Mexico. (n.d.) Retrieved February 24, 2015 from http://www.greanvillepost.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/map-of-mexican-drug-cartels_full_6001.jpg
Additional Culture Resources
EDSITEment! is a government website dedicated to educate people about different cultures and humanities around the globe. This particular link will take you to their Mexican Culture and History page which describes the cultural significance of different Mexican national holidays. This website is a great resource for educators because it provides teachers with a full Mexican culture lesson plan paired with learning objectives, and matching interactive activities. (Click on the image for link)
This link will take you directly to an internet PDF source created by the Center For Disease Control (CDC). This source provides an overview of the different aspects that makes up the culture in Mexico. This PDF is a great research tool because it touches base on things like family, gender, socioeconomic status, health, beliefs and practices, languages, religions, and more. Another very important feature that this PDF contains is the information it provides about the health care and diseases that are present in Mexico. Disease and health care is often overlooked as a cultural aspect when it can often define the way of life of the people within said culture. (Click on image for link)
Statistics
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Mexico and its Change Over Time
The Impact of Economy in the Population of Mexico (1950&2013)
Figures one and two are examples of the population density in Mexico compared to the rest of the world and itself from the year 1950 and 2013. During the 1950's, Mexico had begun an economic takeoff which allowed the economy to grow steadily and rapidly, and with the economy grew the population. Over time the economy has evolved and developed within the region so when you compare figure 1 with figure 2, you can see how the economies growth and advancement has changed the population in Mexico and allowed it to grow along with the economy. As time evolved and as the economy began to better itself it provided more employment opportunities for the Mexican people allowing them have bigger families and double their population size. Comparing the population size form to the rest of the world, we can see that the less developed countries, whom one might say have a less successful economy, have a smaller population density, and those who have a better economy have a higher population density. For example, China is known for having the largest population density in the world, and that has been constant throughout the years as you can see in the images above. When you compare China and other regions with economies like it to the country of Mexico, you can see how the influence of the economy can have on the population (since China is more than triple the size of Mexico based on population density).
Women Life Expectancy and Fertility Rate
In the year 1800, Mexico had a very low life expectancy rate for women, and a fairly high fertility rate. Figure 3 shows that during 1800 women lived to be about 30-33 years old. The fertility rate for this age was 5.5 children per women. This indicated that women began to bare children at a fairly young age, and spent the majority of their short life either expecting a child and or caring for one. The trail depicted above shows the change in fertility and life expectancy rates as time goes by. During the 1900's and in the more present years, the life expectancy for women has risen and the fertility rates seems to have dropped significantly. Women that are now living past their 70's are having less having less children. There are many contributing factors to this, one of them being the advancement in healthcare, technology and the introduction of contraceptives.
Health Aide
Mexico is not very well known for their government health care aide or their health care facilities. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate just how drastic the difference in health care is in Mexico and around the world. Figure 4 shows the percentage of health care given to the Mexican people from 1988 to 2007. It is obvious that little to nothing has changed in the health care aiding system within the country because aide has only experienced a .34% increase within the last 19-20 years. In figure 5 we can compare mexico to other countries who do provide health aide to their people. The aide provided in Mexico is so small, that it cannot be shown on a world map. Although death rates have decreased in the region of Mexico throughout time, they are still higher than many countries around the world. A huge contributing factor to those death rates is the health aide that is provided.
Religion and its History and Impact on Culture and Government
The country of Mexico consists of two major religions, Roman Catholicism and Protestants/Evangelicals. The major religion in the country is Roman Catholicism which is practiced by 88 percent of the Mexican population who are five years of age and older (Global Security). Catholicism first began in Mexico with the arrival of the Spanish Conquistador Hernan Cortes landed on the coast of Mexico, during 1519. With Cortes came the Roman Catholic clergy who are a group of ordained people within the Catholic Church. Because Catholicism was the prominent religion of Cortes, he conquered all the New Spanish territories in the name of the cross as well as the crown (Country Studies). It was then that the Indians of the land were converted into Catholics. Cortes and his people had the natives destroy their idols and erect crosses and shrines of the Virgin Mary to honor the Catholic religion. These actions are what marked the beginning of the Catholic Church in what would later become the country of Mexico.
Due to the numerous amount of Roman Catholics in Mexico, many traditions and religious practices have been set forth to express the Mexican people’s religious beliefs. The Mexican culture highly revolves around family and family practices this being said, Catholic beliefs are spread throughout the life of an ordinary Mexican family. Although Cortes and his people were the first to introduce Catholicism to Mexico, it was not their practices (pre-Hispanic religious beliefs) that resulted in the modern religious practices that the common Mexican family partakes in. “Mexico’s most significant religious rituals are determined by the Catholic calendar,” (Every Culture). One of these rituals, Easter known as Semana Santa is perhaps the most important of all. During Semana Santa reenactments of the crucification of Jesus Christ take place all over the country and they are witnessed by thousands of people at a time. A second very important aspect of the catholic religion that directly affects the social development of the country is the importance of the Mexican patron saint La Virgen de Guadalupe. La Virgen has a special shrine in the heart of Mexico located on the hill of Tepeyac in Mexico City. The shrine is placed in this location to honor La Virgens first sighting in 1531. The basilica attracts thousands upon thousands of Mexican believers every year, especially on December 12 which is a nationally recognized holiday known as El Dia de La Virgen de Guadalupe (Every Culture). Religion has played a great role in the social development of the country due to the great influences religion has on the Mexican people. In this country, religion is considered to be more than a belief, but a way of life. Practices go beyond the church and carry into their everyday social lives and family values.
Due to the numerous amount of Roman Catholics in Mexico, many traditions and religious practices have been set forth to express the Mexican people’s religious beliefs. The Mexican culture highly revolves around family and family practices this being said, Catholic beliefs are spread throughout the life of an ordinary Mexican family. Although Cortes and his people were the first to introduce Catholicism to Mexico, it was not their practices (pre-Hispanic religious beliefs) that resulted in the modern religious practices that the common Mexican family partakes in. “Mexico’s most significant religious rituals are determined by the Catholic calendar,” (Every Culture). One of these rituals, Easter known as Semana Santa is perhaps the most important of all. During Semana Santa reenactments of the crucification of Jesus Christ take place all over the country and they are witnessed by thousands of people at a time. A second very important aspect of the catholic religion that directly affects the social development of the country is the importance of the Mexican patron saint La Virgen de Guadalupe. La Virgen has a special shrine in the heart of Mexico located on the hill of Tepeyac in Mexico City. The shrine is placed in this location to honor La Virgens first sighting in 1531. The basilica attracts thousands upon thousands of Mexican believers every year, especially on December 12 which is a nationally recognized holiday known as El Dia de La Virgen de Guadalupe (Every Culture). Religion has played a great role in the social development of the country due to the great influences religion has on the Mexican people. In this country, religion is considered to be more than a belief, but a way of life. Practices go beyond the church and carry into their everyday social lives and family values.
The most sacred and holiest place on earth for a Catholic believer is considered to be the Catholic Church where Catholicism is primarily practiced. Said churches can be found all over the country of Mexico. An especially sacred place within the country is La Basilica de La Virgen Maria in Mexico City. Mexico City is also home to the largest cathedral in the country. La Catedral Metropolitana de la Asuncion de Maria is not only the largest cathedral in Mexico, but in all of the Americas. Outside the country, there is the Vatican City in Rome which is home to Pope John Paul II the leader of the Catholic Church.
Religion has also played a great role in the Mexican government. The relationship between the church and the state has been fairly hostile. This history became hostile following the independence of Mexico when liberals began to worry that the Roman Catholic Church who owned one quarter of one half of the land and who controlled most schools, hospitals, and charitable institutions was becoming a state of its own within the country of Mexico (Global Security). Hostile confrontations arose during the presidency of Benito Juarez who suppressed all religious orders and confiscated church properties. This resulted in the first religious civil war which was fought between 1857 and 1860. Although the war ended conflict continues between the church and the state through 1917 when a constitution was ratified to include religious reforms. These reforms were heavily enforced from 1926 to the 1930s. “The Church and State conflict officially ended with the administration of Manuel Avila Camacho 940-19046 to regain social peace,” (Global Security). As time went by however the peace that has been brought upon by Camacho has eroded and the Roman Catholic Church began to suffer issues once again. Following the 1970s Catholicism began to decline and Protestants began to arise. Although this happened, Catholicism still remained the dominant religion in the country. In present day Mexico, Catholicism now plays a great role in determining the legitimacy of law and it also influences people’s thoughts on the high cartel crime rates in the country.
Religion has also played a great role in the Mexican government. The relationship between the church and the state has been fairly hostile. This history became hostile following the independence of Mexico when liberals began to worry that the Roman Catholic Church who owned one quarter of one half of the land and who controlled most schools, hospitals, and charitable institutions was becoming a state of its own within the country of Mexico (Global Security). Hostile confrontations arose during the presidency of Benito Juarez who suppressed all religious orders and confiscated church properties. This resulted in the first religious civil war which was fought between 1857 and 1860. Although the war ended conflict continues between the church and the state through 1917 when a constitution was ratified to include religious reforms. These reforms were heavily enforced from 1926 to the 1930s. “The Church and State conflict officially ended with the administration of Manuel Avila Camacho 940-19046 to regain social peace,” (Global Security). As time went by however the peace that has been brought upon by Camacho has eroded and the Roman Catholic Church began to suffer issues once again. Following the 1970s Catholicism began to decline and Protestants began to arise. Although this happened, Catholicism still remained the dominant religion in the country. In present day Mexico, Catholicism now plays a great role in determining the legitimacy of law and it also influences people’s thoughts on the high cartel crime rates in the country.
When I think of Mexican religion Catholicism quickly comes to mind simply because the Mexican culture is heavily dependent on the religion. Much of the countries celebrations, customs, practices, and popular gathering places are centered on the ideals of the Catholic Church. I believe that this is what makes the culture in Mexico so special. Many popular cultural practices and gatherings seem to have a religious purpose behind them which gives the culture a deeper meaning. The immense amount of belief that the Mexican people hold for their religion is shown through their everyday actions which makes me believe that the Mexican culture is not just based on simple practices adopted from their physical surroundings, but it is based on something greater.
MEXICAN CUISINE
When people think of Mexican food they automatically think of tacos and burritos. Although these items are traditional Mexican staples, Mexican cuisine is much more than that. Traditional Mexican cuisine includes fish, beef, seafood, chicken, and a large variety of cheese products. Mexican food is also largely known for its healthy additions of locally grown fruits and vegetables. Other Mexican staples include multilayer quesadillas, and empanadas, but although these dishes are common and eaten every day in Mexico, the countries cuisine is filled with a large variety of traditional dishes that are nutritious and good for ones health. Traditional Mexican food can include vegetables such as tomatoes, garlic, onion, avocado, chili peppers, and corn. A Mexican dish would also not be complete without its pairing of a freshly homemade salsa, or a sprinkle of cheese with a dollop of sour cream, and of course no dish would be complete without homemade tortillas. The Mexican culture highly revolves around its religion and its family traditions, that is why Mexican cuisine is highly involved with Mexican religion. Many dishes that are made in Mexican homes have roots within religion. A great example of this is El Pan de Muerto which is a Mexican sweet bread that is made for El Dia de Los Muertos (day of the dead) a Mexican religious holiday that celebrates their deceased loved ones. Many of the dishes mentioned bellow are a combination of similar ingredients. Many of the fruits and vegetables that are used to make these Mexican dishes are locally grown in Mexico due to their large agricultural industries. The local ingredients are fresh, healthy, and easily accessible.
A Full Day of Meals In Mexico
El desayuno (Breakfast)
- Between 7:00am and 10:00am
- Breakfast in Mexico can range from a simple cup of coffee to a huge spread featuring “huevos rancheros” (corn tortillas filled with fried eggs and a sauce of chili, tomato & onion).
- Popular breakfast foods include sweet breads, tropical fruits, toast, granola and yogurt.
- Between 1:30pm and 4:00pm
- In Mexico, lunch is the main meal of the day- expect to eat a lot!
- La comida typically consists of an appetizer, a soup or salad and the main course: seafood, meat or poulty, rice and/ or beans and of course some hot tortillas.
- Get ready to chat before, during and after eating, as lunch tends to be a leisurely meal
- Between 8:00pm and 9:00pm.
- Eaten in the evening, la cena is the lighter meal of the day in Mexico, often consisting of soup or tacos.
Traditional Mexican DIshes
La Comida (Lunch items)
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Postre (Desserts)
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Bebidas (Drinks)
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THe History of Tamales
Tamales date back to pre-columbian history when Aztec women were taken into battle to cook for the armies. Due to the mobility of the army, there was a need for a dish that was portable and sustainable. The tamale was that dish, it is portable yet sustainable because it is made with locally grown ingredients and it can be made ahead of time, packed away, and reheated when needed. Tamales were originally cooked by burning them in hot ashes, but as the Aztec progressed, they began to develop new ways of cooking and they began to steam the tamale in pots and underground holes. Tamales have changed in size, color, shape, and filling depending on the available ingredients. Through history and location, tamales have been wrapped in corn husks, soft tree bark, edible leaves, and sometimes even fabric. In present day Mexico tamales consists of masa (a himiny dough) spread on a corn shuck and filled with either pork, beef, chicken, green chile, cheese, or vegetables. The making of tamales is very labor intensive which is why making them has become as much of a tradition as eating them. That is why this dish is mainly made during the Christmas season when families gather and cook together to prepare their holiday meals. During Christmas time, the kitchen of a Mexican home is turned into an assembly line of cooks that gather to make dozens and dozens of tamales. The making of tamales has become a social event that brings people together in the kitchen.
Tamales RECIPE (YIELDS 50)
Ingredients:
Directions:
- 3 1⁄2lbs pork shoulder or 3 1⁄2 lbs pork butt, trimmed of fat and cut up
- 10cups water
- 1medium onion, quartered
- 3garlic cloves, minced
- 3 1⁄2teaspoons salt
- 4cups red chili sauce (see Red Chili Sauce (To Be Used With Traditional Tamales) for red chili sauce)
- 3⁄4cup shortening
- 6cups masa harina
- 1 1⁄2teaspoons baking powder
Directions:
- In a 5 qt Dutch oven, bring pork, water, onion, garlic and 1 1/2 salt to boil.
- Simmer covered, about 2 1/2 hours or until meat is very tender.
- Remove meat from broth and allow both meat and broth to cool. (Chilling the broth will allow you to easily remove the fat if you desire to do so).
- Shred the meat using 2 forks, discarding fat.
- Strain the broth and reserve 6 cups.
- In a large sauce pan, heat the red chili sauce and add meat; simmer, covered for 10 minutes.
- To make masa beat shortening on medium speed in a large bowl for 1 minute.
- In a separate bowl, stir together masa harina, baking powder and 2 teaspoons salt.
- Alternately add masa harina mixture and broth to shortening, beating well after each addition. (Add just enough broth to make a thick, creamy paste).
- In the mean time, soak corn husks in warm water for at least 20 minutes; rinse to remove any corn silk and drain well.
- To assemble each tamale, spread 2 tablespoons of the masa mixture on the center of the corn husk (each husk should be 8 inches long and 6 inches wide at the top. If husks are small, overlap 2 small ones to form one. If it is large, tear a strip from the side).
- Place about 1 tablespoon meat and sauce mixture in the middle of the masa.
- Fold in sides of husk and fold up the bottom.
- Place a mound of extra husks or a foil ball in the center of a steamer basket placed in a Dutch oven.
- Lean the tamales in the basket, open side up.
- Add water to Dutch oven just below the basket.
- Bring water to boil and reduce heat.
- Cover and steam 40 minutes, adding water when necessary.
- To freeze these for future meals, leave them in the husks and place them in freezer bags. To reheat, thaw and wrap in a wet paper towel and reheat in the microwave for 2 minutes for one or two or re-steam them just until hot.
Works Cited
Links for information of Mexican Cuisine
http://ixtapacantina.com/mexican-eating-habits-you-didnt-know-about/
http://www.food.com/recipe/traditional-tamales-pork-15286
http://www.examiner.com/article/the-history-behind-tamales
http://diet.yukozimo.com/what-do-mexicans-eat/
Country Studies. Mexico - Religion. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://countrystudies.us/mexico/61.htm
Every Culture. Countries and Their Cultures. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://www.everyculture.com/Ma-Ni/Mexico.html
Global Security. Mexico Religion. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/mexico/religion.htm
Image 1 Percentage Map. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://geo-mexico.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/religion-catholic1.gif
Image 2 Basilica. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://blog.tulumrealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1112137dd06150cmed.jpg
Image 3 La Virgen. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/140516152646-mexico-10-things-best-basilica-of-our-lady-of-guadalupe-horizontal-large-gallery.jpg
http://ixtapacantina.com/mexican-eating-habits-you-didnt-know-about/
http://www.food.com/recipe/traditional-tamales-pork-15286
http://www.examiner.com/article/the-history-behind-tamales
http://diet.yukozimo.com/what-do-mexicans-eat/
Country Studies. Mexico - Religion. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://countrystudies.us/mexico/61.htm
Every Culture. Countries and Their Cultures. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://www.everyculture.com/Ma-Ni/Mexico.html
Global Security. Mexico Religion. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/mexico/religion.htm
Image 1 Percentage Map. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://geo-mexico.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/religion-catholic1.gif
Image 2 Basilica. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://blog.tulumrealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1112137dd06150cmed.jpg
Image 3 La Virgen. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/140516152646-mexico-10-things-best-basilica-of-our-lady-of-guadalupe-horizontal-large-gallery.jpg