| Did you know that St George was a third-century Roman soldier from modern-day Turkey? ~Cappadocia Since the 14th century Saint George has been widely regarded as a the patron saint & protector of England. You might think of him clad in armour, slaying a dragon and rescuing a maiden. It is all a medieval invention. Still we still a good legend, don't we? Beside all the historical facts, I was very surprised to learn that many other countries celebrate today. In Spanish it is called "Dia de San Jorge" & in Catalonia they make special cakes. Here is an eyebrow rising list of the countries that will celebrate St. Georges Day today:
So you would like to join your local celebrations to commemorate this early Christian martyr or if you don't live in any of this countries, Have a Pimms in his name :) Have a Great Day everybody! |
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1. Posadas: In Guatemala we like to celebrate Christmas with "Posadas". Posada is Spanish for "lodging", or "accommodation" and they represent the journey of Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay. It is traditionally a 9 day celebration and it was originally from Spain. Now celebrated chiefly in Mexico, Guatemala and parts of the Southwestern United States 2. Fireworks: Everybody loves to burn fireworks at midnight on the 25th and at noon on Christmas day. I close my eyes and I can smell them still... 3. Gallo Christmas Tree: We got one Guatemalan beer: "Gallo" and we love it! Being Gallo a very big company, they assemble a giant Christmas tree for all to enjoy at Plaza Obelisco in Guatemala city. They have Christmas carols and a firework display. 4. Nativities: Nativities in Guatemala are a tradition that has become an art. This is a "Mayan terracota Nativity". The families remain awake until midnight on Christmas eve, with baby Jesus covered. Then he is unveiled and celebrated. At my grandmas house it was a whole table dedicated to it, I am still looking for pictures to share with you. 5. Santa Claus: Believe it or not, Santa Claus comes to Guatemala wearing sunglasses! We adotped Father Chrsitmas because of all the American influence in my country. You can see Grottos in every shopping mall. In my family, Santa Claus came at 8 pm to my aunties house on Christmas eve (yes, earlier than to England!) and he would give presents to all or my 22 cousins! When the Spanish Conquistadors left their mark on Guatemala, they bestowed upon us two profound gifts: a new racial identity (mestizos) and the embrace of Christianity. The tale unfolds with the Virgin revealing herself to a humble peasant named Juan Diego. When pressed for proof by the Archbishop, Juan Diego ascended a hill and gathered roses—an exotic bloom not native to the region. As the roses tumbled from his cloak, the face of the Virgin miraculously imprinted upon it. This sacred image endures in Mexico City to this day. From my earliest memories, December 12th held a special significance— a day to don the attire of a Mayan girl, adorned in the "Guipil" and "Corte." It became a ritual to venture into downtown Guatemala City, celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe amidst a tapestry of traditional sweets and vibrant candles. However, the contrast was stark, as the remaining days of the year often saw Mayans treated differently. Now residing in England, I am on a journey of rediscovering and cherishing our indigenous roots, striving to dismantle societal divisions. My aspiration is for my daughter to not only grasp the rich tapestry of traditions in Guatemala but also to take pride in her Mayan heritage. 🌺🕊️ #CulturalHeritage #MayanPride #UnityInDiversity |
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January 2024
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