The word sombrero comes from the Spanish word for shade: sombra. Many people use the hat to protect themselves from the sun. The sombrero comes originally from Spain but the Mexicans have their own version with a very broad brim. Traditionally, ranchers used sombreros only for work but now they are worn on holidays by all.

The poncho is the traditional clothing South American indigenous people. A group called the Mapuche, who live in the south of Chile and Argentina, use it there in the cold and rainy periods. The traditional poncho is made of wool and keeps the wearer warm. It is similar to a blanket with a hole for the head and allows for free movement of the arms. The wool comes from four animals; the alpaca, llama, vicuna and guanaco, all similar to the camels. Nowadays, inexpensive plastic versions of the poncho are worn in North America in extreme rain.

Finally, the lesser known huipil is a blouse for women of Central America, especially those in Guatemala. Indigenous women still weave them today as their Mayan ancestors did 1000 years ago. The colors and designs show the community from which a woman originates. You can find images of beautiful handmade huipils By clicking here: 

The practice of holding a Christmas market or Weinachstmarkt in Germany, Austria and Switzerland among other countries dates back to the Middle Ages. Markets are held in accordance with Advent traditions, namely opening on the Sunday four weeks before Christmas. These markets are traditionally held in the main plaza of the city or town and spill out into adjacent streets. The size of the market depends on the size of the town. Some of the more famous markets are held in the cities of Nuremberg, Dresden, Berlin and Munich.

Christmas markets feature regional food and beverages. Numerous temporary stalls built out of wood sell local crafts, food products such as chocolates as well as handmade ornaments. For entertainment, there are musicians, dancers and other entertainers performing, often in local traditional clothing. For children, there may be some games and carousel rides.

The most popular beverage by far is mulled wine or Glühwein. This beverage is served hot to help you warm up on cold winter nights and is made of a combination of red wine, sugar and spices. For a recipe click here. To eat, there are numerous local vendors selling sausages, sauerkraut, German pretzels and of course Lebkuchen. Lebkuchen is a German variety of gingerbread often sold in large sizes of hearts or other shapes with icing of varying colors. See the featured image for this blog.

For the last three years, a Christmas market has been held in the Queen Elizabeth Plaza near the downtown Vancouver public library. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting every year and highly recommend it. For more information on market hours and to purchase tickets visit www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com

When studying a new language  it is important to understand the culture that envelops and supports that language to truly understand it. North American society and Latin society have many similarities but also some differences. Below I will discuss two fundamental institutions in Latin society; family and church.

Latin society is a collective society. North American society is different, we are raised to be independent and  to put our own opinions and goals ahead of those of the family as a whole. While many North Americans celebrate birthdays and other occasions only with friends or their romantic partner, Latin people celebrate an anniversary, birthday or wedding with the entire extended family. The concept of the nuclear family doesn’t really exist as it is common to live with, or very close to, extended family members such as grandparents, uncles and cousins. To this end, people often have closer relationships with their extended family members than are found in North America.

In addition to the family, the Catholic Church plays a relatively large role in the everyday lives of most Latin people. Many attend church regularly such as every Sunday or even every day.  The church is not only a place to pray, but also serves as a basis for the community at large. All of life’s major milestones are tied to the church such as baptism, marriage and death.

The type of Catholicism found in Latin America differs from that found in Europe in countries such as Italy, Spain and France. When the Spaniards brought the Catholic faith to the New World around 500 years ago, it was adopted by the native indigenous peoples. However, they did not completely give up their own traditional beliefs but rather created a fusion of beliefs. Therefore, while many Latin Americas believe in Jesus Christ, they also have local patron saints they worship. Latin people are also quite superstitious and often adorn their homes and cars with small altars and good luck charms.

In Latin American society, as in North American society, most public holidays revolve around the main religious festivals: Christmas (Navidad), Easter (Pascua) and All Souls Day (El dia de los muertos). The occasions of Christmas and Easter offer time off of work and school in which to celebrate  or commemorate a variety of  rituals surrounding the holiday. Even individuals who are not practicing Catholics may take this as a time off to enjoy time with family.