The Virgin of Guadalupe

The Virgin of Guadalupe Mexican Culture by Angela Alcaraz

Our Lady 

The Virgin of Guadalupe, as shown above, has been to many an inspiration and has given hope to many people. Seen as Mexico’s patron saint, her image has influenced many homes as her image has been placed in home altars, churches, bull rings, taxis, restaurants, and many other places.  As well as being used during the Mexican War of Independence against Spain on flags being carried out as a significant symbol, her image has made a big impact on not only Indian but Mexican Culture. 

Mexican Identity 

To Mexican and Mexican- American the Virgin holds a special significance in more than one way. As she appeared specifically to an indigenous Mexican in the time were they were devastated due to the conquest she inspired many to convert to Roman Catholicism and not only seen as a religious symbol but more of a cultural symbol by giving hope and empowering the people who lacked power. She holds a different kind of appeal even when she is represented by motherhood you see her representing people that stand for social justice which gave strength and the start to culture growth to Mexicans. It was due to the virgin of Guadalupe that many traditions not only religious started to take place in peoples life's no matter their background.  

 "Long Live Our Lady of Guadalupe"

According to the article “The Virgin of Guadalupe: A Mexican National Symbol” by Eric R. Wolf, “The Guadalupe is important to Mexicans not only because she is a supernatural mother, but also because she embodies their major political and religious aspiration.” Since portrayed as strong and having the embodiment of hope she made a big impact in shaping their culture. She played an important role in Mexican culture as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla had made her the image of the revolt that led against the Spanish, with this she inspired rebels as they used her image in banners and many cried out “ Long Live Our Lady of Guadalupe.” Due to Our Lady of Guadalupe, it was declared that she was the foundation of Mexico as she freed the people from the Spanish marking Mexican Independence and the Lady of Guadalupe becoming a political view of unity.

Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe 

Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated in Mexico on December 12 as many fiestas, public celebrations, that are held in honor of her marking her first appearance to Juan Diego. Thousands of people travel to visit her image in her home at the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe. As being part of the Mexican culture her national fiesta includes pilgrims bringing her flowers, gifts, singing, and some walking on their knees as they pray for her while making their way to the Basilica. Traditional foods like bunuelos, tamales, chicken mole and other delicacies are made to bring families together to celebrate her as well as attending a mass ceremony. 

Pilgrimage

Every year, thousands of people gather from all places to celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe and give thanks for all she has done for them. Coming from a religious Hispanic family I lived part of my life in Mexico where I was able to do a small pilgrimage for Our Lady. Gathering to carry and walk with the Virgin is both a spiritual and physical experience. From Puruandiro, Michoacán to celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe she is carried out all through the town with many people following her as music is played until she arrives back into church. It is a way for people who aren't able to see her at church to have a chance to pray to her and give thanks on her special day, also to bless the town as the priest walks with her. No matter the weather she is carried and followed by people called "Guadalupanos" who sometimes dress in traditional clothing like rebozos for the women as the Virgin is wearing and white clothes for the men as Juan Diego wore. People of different social and ethnic backgrounds pay reverence as many bring her flowers on her special day.