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Hispanic Christmas customs cherished
Published 6:00am Sunday, December 20, 2009The term Hispanic is used to describe the culture and people of countries formerly ruled by Spain, usually with a majority of the population speaking the Spanish language. These include Mexico and the majority of the Central and South American countries. And with that culture, as noted by Hispanic students in Pelican Rapids, are Christmas customs far different from those in the United States.
“In Mexico we receive gifts when we celebrate the Epiphany with the three wise men (kings), on Jan. 6,” said Alejandra Saavedra, a senior at Pelican Rapids High school who moved to west central Minnesota as a preschooler. “Santa Claus isn’t as revered in Mexico as he is, here, in the United States.”
She said that Three Kings’ Day, also known as “the night before,” was the time for opening Christmas presents in Mexico.
Epiphany is the completion of the Advent/Christmas Season and the Twelve Days of Christmas, which are usually counted from the evening of Dec. 25 until the morning of Jan. 6, which is the Twelfth Day. On this day Christians in Mexico and elsewhere commemorate the coming of the wise men bringing gifts to visit the Christ child, who by so doing “reveal” Jesus to the world as Lord and King.
Junior Diana Hernandez said that she and fellow students also have come to appreciate the traditions with Santa Claus and other holiday traditions here in the United States.
Saavedra, Hernandez and eight of their classmates who are students of Pelican Rapids High School’s Spanish teacher, Bridgette Holl, are working on a play — a modern day version of Snow White, in Spanish.
“Our class also involves Hispanic history,” said senior Israel Elizondo. “As far as the play goes, we plan to have videotaping on Wednesday, Dec. 23, something very special right before Christmas.”
All of the 10 students say they appreciate both Hispanic and American traditions during the Christmas season. Some remember the Epiphany and Three Kings’ Day celebrations in Mexico, while others have spent their entire lives in west central Minnesota.
“I came to Pelican Rapids in second grade,” said senior Maria Diaz, “so yes, I recall the Christmas traditions that we celebrated with our families in Mexico. This time of year is special in both countries.”
Students who are Catholic have the opportunity to celebrate a Christmas Spanish Mass, and weekly church services in Spanish, throughout the year at St. Leonard’s Catholic Church in Pelican Rapids.
Jose Rosiles, a high school senior, remembers living in a town in Mexico that was a journey of six or so hours from Mexico City.
“I like it here in Pelican Rapids,” said Rosiles. “It’s been fun having new friends and taking part in activities. I’ve been on the soccer team.”
Also part of the soccer team, which has Pelican Rapids partnering with Hillcrest Academy of Fergus Falls, is junior David Barragan.
Some of the students live in homes where English is the second language and they know more English than their parents who work at West Central Turkeys and other places in Pelican Rapids. They take pride in being able to speak both Spanish and English in their homes.
The students also appreciate the opportunities available to them in the United States, following their graduations from Pelican Rapids High School.
“I’ve been able to go all the way through the school system here,” said Alejandra Saavedra, a senior. “Next year I plan to study accounting at Minnesota State University, Moorhead.
Fellow senior Veronica Coronado, who started school as a first grader in Pelican Rapids, plans to attend college and pursue pre-law. Another senior, Maria Diaz, was a second grader when she began school in Pelican Rapids. She plans to attend college somewhere and pursue a goal of becoming a pediatrician. The other students have long-term goals, as well.
For her part, instructor Bridgette Holl says, “I’m proud of each of my students. Pelican Rapids Public Schools is a great place to teach, and an even better place to learn.”
