By: Dayshaun Powe
As we enter the Christmas season, a common discussion among many households is the reason for the season. And although the discussion can go on for eternity, one of the most common answers is to simply come together and spend time with your loved ones, and of course, to enjoy a good meal. But in Mexico, one of their most famous Christmas traditions involves these exact two things. This is known as the Feast of the Virgin Guadalupe.
Most people are familiar with the nativity scene and how it relates to Christmas. The story of Mary and Joseph searching for an inn, so they would have a peaceful space to give birth to their baby. Delivering him in a manger, even the gifts from the wise men. But in this specific Mexican tradition. Although there is still a lot of emphasis on baby Jesus, the official start of these festivities instead focus on his mother, the virgin Mary, or as she is also known, Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadelupe).
The way this story specifically relates to catholic culture starts in 1531, with a man named Juan Diego. The story says that Mary appeared to him on the hill of Tepeyac( what is now known as Mexico city), where she asked him to build a shrine for her. So all who wished, could come see her love. When a local bishop told Juan that he was speaking upon false claims. Mary in return, told Juan to go pick a specific type of flower to give the bishop, which happened to never be seen before in the area. He did, and he wrapped it all in his cloak, known as a tilma. When he presented the flowers, a portrait of Mary herself had been imprinted on the tilma. That exact tilma has been saved over the years, and even in 2000 Juan Diego was declared a saint.
The holiday is now typically used as a time of prayer and reflection. With many using it as a time to give thanks, and unwind and celebrate with those that they love. Celebrations and prayers typically start around nine days prior to the feast, with it taking place on the 12th of December. The feast aspect of the holiday was first set in place in 1754, and was even made a liturgical holiday in 1990. The feast is typically followed by multiple other celebrations and traditions. With some even going so far as to last until January