The Influence Of Mexican Families In The United States

Right between the United States, South America, the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea lies the country of Mexico, known around the world for their bright and festive culture and rich heritage. It is one of the most visited countries in the world, and it has been the primary destination of choice among tourists and religious practitioners. From its food to their national holidays, Mexican influence is prominent and traditions often practiced outside of the country as well.
Four famous civilizations existed within this country—the Mayas, the Olmecs, and the Aztecs—before the Spanish Conquistadors conquered the land in the 1500s. Spain ruled Mexico for the next 300 years until the early 1800s, when the Mexicans first
In the United States, children are encouraged to the leave their family following high school or college, are closest with their immediate family, and practice their varying religious beliefs individually. Compared to Mexico, children are expected to stay home with their families until marriage, and even then the combination of the two families does not necessarily mean anyone would have to leave their family. There is much importance surrounding the roles of children and elderly in Mexican families as well. For instance, the elderly are not sent to nursing homes, but are welcomed into the family of their children to be cared for and nurtured. With this being said, it is common to have large families that include grandparents, cousins, and the nuclear family are all often together for celebrations, events, or a get together, and the extended family is seen as having equal importance to the main family. In almost any culture around the world, the family meal is an important time for gathering the family together for discussions. As opposed to an American family, who has the family dinner in the evening, a Mexican family has their main meal in the mid-afternoon with everyone in attendance. The entire family also participates in Sunday Mass on a regular basis. After Mass the family will likely go to a restaurant or will return home for a late breakfast and conversation, which will
The word posadas translates to the word “inn” or “shelter”, and this holiday reenacts the search of shelter that Mary and Joseph took through Bethlehem. It begins with a small group of carolers and Mary and Joseph reenactors going from home to home, asking for shelter. The home that accepts them is chosen beforehand and is different each night, and once they are accepted, the group goes inside to have a feast and a party. December 23rd marks Christmas Eve, a town-wide celebration that include live animals, feasts, music, and a market with over 700 vendors. Children will attend churches at night and listen to the story of the birth of Jesus. The day after marks Christmas Day, and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. In the United States, this is an exciting day filled with toys and games and spending time with family. In Mexico, however, it is seen as a day to relax with family and friends and eat leftovers. Día de los Santos Reyes is celebrated the following year on January 6th, in which a series of nativity plays are put on in almost every church, reenacting the shepherds that follow the Star of Bethlehem and the visitation of the newborn Jesus. Major cities will often have gift and food stalls and outdoor dances and events. It is also customary to eat Rosca de Reyes, which is a wreath-shaped fruity bread baked with a figure of baby Jesus