Mexican-American Influences
... owed to France. Mexicans and Mexican Americans celebrate this day because it proves the power of bravery, especially when things seem impossible. The history of this day may not be important to some but knowing the meaning behind this holiday truly allows one to appreciate it and rightfully celebrate it. More than a century later on May 5, 1983 I was born. My father was so ecstatic at the birth of his first child he phoned all of his friends and the whole family. My mother’s side of the family had already enjoyed a festive dinner so they were thrilled that they had even more of a reason to celebrate this holiday. I do not think I could have been born on a better day because every year there is one grand celebration. In our family the best way to kick-off a celebration is to have a piñata. “People of today enjoy the piñata during many celebrations” (Piñata). Nearly every year up until my early teens a piñata was guaranteed to be at every birthday party. My mother would take me to the store to choose any piñata I wished. I always chose the brightest and most colorful and stuffed it with my favorite varieties of candy and little toys. The piñata is one tradition I am sure most people have experienced at least once in their lives. I love when my birthday comes around, this time of year is a great celebration. In my family each major holiday is usually divided into time among my father’s side of the family and my mother’s side. This allows for an incredible range of tradition. “Christmas for Mexicans, in traditional homes and rural areas, is a religious holiday” (Christmas). Every year most traditional Mexican families attend midnight mass; however, we attend the holiday service at our church at 6:00 p.m. and go out for desert and coffee or hot cocoa afterward. My parents found it important to teach my brothers and me when we were young that there was more to Christmas than just presents. My parents taught us the meaning behind this special day. “Every home will have a nativity scene” (Christmas). Like most Mexican families one will find a nativity scene in their home displayed for the Christmas holiday. In our home my mother and I usually display our nativity scene on the first day of December. It is something she and I have always done since I can remember. This has always been special bonding time for the two of us. My mother recalls the American tradition of allowing the family to choose one gift to open on Christmas Eve (Biscan). As a child and still to this day it has always been hard to look under the tree and not be curious of what was in those articulately wrapped present boxes. So, every year when midnight is close to approaching my brothers and I round up my parents and together we all choose one gift to open. We then shake the boxes we have chosen and try to make our guess at what is inside. This can often stir some good laughs. Afterward we all go to bed and get our rest for the big day ahead. I love when this holiday season comes around, it is a fun season fulfilled with quality time and togetherness. Many of my favorite cultural traditions are complimented with fine cooking. “Not only do Mexican-Americans still speak the language of their Spanish ancestors and preserve religious traditions, but culinary culture also gives testimony to a mixed inheritance” (Chicano Foods). Many of our family’s recipes have been passed on from my grandmother. This is where my mother learned how to make many of her Mexican dishes. I can honestly say she learned form the best cook around. “Menudo, or beef tripe soup, is actually served for breakfast on Saturday or Sunday morning” (Chicano Foods). This is a soup that is made very rarely, usually the family will only indulge on it for special holidays such as Christmas or Than...