Most Important Element Of Mexican Culture example essay topic

Ancient Mexico and Central America were home to some of the earliest and most advanced civilizations in the western hemisphere. This region is known historically as Mesoamerica, a term that refers to the geographic area and cultural traditions of the pre-Columbian civilizations of Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mayan civilization flourished in southern Mexico and Central America between AD 250 and 900, a time known as the Classic period. The Maya built large religious centers that included ball courts, homes, and temples, and developed a method of hieroglyphic notation. Chronology among the Maya was determined by an elaborate calendar system. Although highly complex, this calendar was the most accurate known to humans until the introduction of the Gregorian calendar in the 16th century.

Throughout most of Mexico's history, beginning with the colonial period, education was the task of the Catholic Church. After independence, Mexicans were concerned about the church imposing its values and beliefs on the population and started a public educational system. Mexico has improved its literacy rate through public education programs, but rapid population growth has made it more difficult to reduce the absolute number of Mexicans who cannot read or write. Mexican culture is a fascinating blend of Native American traditions and Spanish colonial influences. Long before the Spaniards arrived in the 16th century, the indigenous civilizations of Mexico had developed arts such as ceramics, music, poetry, sculpture, and weaving.

After the conquest, the intricate designs and bright colors of many Native American arts were often mixed with European techniques and religious themes to create a hybrid and uniquely Mexican artistic style. Numerous churches constructed during the colonial era reflect the blending of Spanish architectural designs with the handiwork of Native American workers who built and decorated the buildings. Many of Mexico's most popular modern crafts-such as textiles, pottery, and furniture making, borrow designs and techniques from Native American culture. Mexican painting and music have also been shaped by this heritage. Mexican arts, with the exception of folk arts, generally followed European patterns during the colonial period and the 19th century. Mexican popular music, in the form of ballads and sidewalk performances, has contributed significantly to popular music in the United States.

Examples include "La Bamba", a Mexican folk song that was recorded in a rock-and-roll style by American singer Ritchie Valens in 1959, and the work of the Tijuana Brass in the 1960's and 1970's. Food is probably the most important element of Mexican culture. Much of the daily routine and tradition in Mexico revolves around the ritual of preparing and eating food. In history, women made their way to the local markets to fill their basket with vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish. Once collecting them the women would return home to begin grinding the corn and flour to make fresh tortillas for the afternoon meal.

Mexican food is rich in color and flavor. The richness of their cuisine comes from their concern for the sensory experience of eating. It is often said that "cuisine is culture", and to understand the development of Mexican cuisine it is important to know about the history of Mexico. In the pre-Colombian time corn was greatly used to make tortillas, tamales, or also made into flour.

The diet of corn was placed with meats, vegetables, and many flavorful spices. However the country's cuisine changed dramatically with influences brought by the Spanish. They brought rice, olives, wines, spices from India, and beef along with many others. The traditional food was combined with the spanish influence. This was the result of the blending of the two different heritages. In the 19th century, Mexican women played a important role in the home.

To be a good woman in Mexico is to have extensive knowledge and great skills in the culinary arts. A testament to them, has been a demand for their wonderful dishes around the world. Mexicans are very proud of their cuisine. It gives them a sense of unity and identity everywhere in the world. Every year, on November 2nd, Mexico celebrates "The Day of the Dead". This is when people dress up in costumes and decorate the graves of the dead.

It is not like Halloween because they do not "Trick Or Treat", and they take this day as true day of reverence. They also have many parties, which includes an especially large feast, which honors the dead. This feast is as important as the American "Thanksgiving" feast. The foods of Mexico are very popular with Americans. But the Americans think of Mexican food as something different then what it is.

We as Americans, tend to take traditional Mexican meals and add our own Westernized styles to them. The traditional Mexican meals use homegrown vegetables and spices and have special blends to add richness and texture. Mexico - its heritage, culture, and foods - have influenced the tastes and styles of society throughout the world!