Alicia - Culture Identity Map Project by ALICIA SALAZAR CASTRO

Alicia

asalazarc0003 — 2024-01-23 17:46:34 UTC

My name's meaning is noble-natured. It comes from the Germanic name Adalhedis (Adelaide), meaning “noble-natured”. My name is a girl’s name of German, Spanish, and Latin origin. My name can have numerous versions with spelling. My name was given by my mother after my grandmother whose name is also Alicia as she wanted one of her grandchildren to have her name which was where I was born. I believe my name fits me and love it because it brings me closer to my grandmother.

Hispanic-American

asalazarc0003 — 2024-01-23 17:50:40 UTC

I am of Hispanic American ethnicity and was born in America. However, my family comes from Mexico and they have taught me a lot about our culture. They have shared with me things that I never knew about Mexico and have instilled in me a sense of pride in my heritage. Although I was raised speaking English instead of Spanish, my family has always made sure that I acknowledge my cultural roots and do not lose them. Initially, it was difficult for me to communicate with my family in Spanish but now, I practice speaking it regularly so that I can converse with them more easily.

Guanajuato, Mexico

asalazarc0003 — 2024-01-24 17:22:31 UTC

My family is originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, which was a great place for them to live. Later, they moved here to Los Angeles for a better living. Although it was not like the place they called home in Mexico, my mother tells me that she was able to play, run free, visit people's houses, and play with mud. They still visit their old home as they have family over there. All of my family, except for my uncle and aunt, were born in Mexico. Like me and my siblings, they were born here. As they tell me, Mexico is a wonderful place where you are free to do anything without worrying about being harmed.

Hoodie and sweaters

asalazarc0003 — 2024-01-24 17:25:00 UTC

There is something about wearing sweaters and hoodies that brings me immense comfort. The soft, warm fabric envelops me in a cosy embrace that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Similarly, exploring and learning about my heritage fills me with a sense of belonging and identity. Discovering the rich history and traditions of my ancestors connects me to something larger than myself. It grounds me in a deeper understanding of who I am.

"The more languages you speak, the better you understand yourself."

asalazarc0003 — 2024-01-24 17:26:09 UTC

"The more languages you speak, the better you understand yourself." This quote holds a special meaning for me because speaking both English and Spanish has helped me unlock a part of myself that I didn't have in contact with when I was younger. Thanks to my family, speaking Spanish has allowed me to explore and understand a part of myself better. My family and my culture are something I cherish very much as it has been a part of me and my identity.

Mom

asalazarc0003 — 2024-01-24 17:27:22 UTC

My hero is my mom. She always encourages me to follow my dreams, even when they seem impossible. Her inspiring attitude makes it seem possible. I look up to my mom because she influences my life by teaching me to work hard, be strong, mindful, kind, and to know whom to trust. She has sacrificed a lot for me, and I want to do my best for her so that her sacrifices don't seem in vain. My mom is not only my hero but also my best friend.

Listening to music and writing stories

asalazarc0003 — 2024-01-24 17:37:39 UTC

My hobbies are listening to music and writing stories. I often listen to music to clear my mind and calm down during tough times. Music helps me concentrate on something and block out all distractions, allowing me to clear my head and relax after a long day. I love writing stories. It helps me to be more creative and gives life to my thoughts. I'm passionate about creating tales of adventure, romance, and mystery and sharing my imagination with others. It's just something I enjoy doing.

Day of the Dead

asalazarc0003 — 2024-01-24 17:42:35 UTC

The Day of the Dead is a special occasion that my family and I love to celebrate together. It allows us to connect with our departed family members in a unique way. During this holiday, we prepare food for our loved ones and create an altar to honor their memory. The Day of the Dead is a well-known Mexican holiday, and it gives us an opportunity to remember and pay tribute to those who have passed away. It's like a family reunion, but with our ancestors as the guests of honor. This holiday is a joyful time that helps us celebrate the memory of our deceased loved ones.

Tamales

asalazarc0003 — 2024-01-24 17:47:04 UTC

When I think of the foods that represent me the most, two dishes come to my mind - tamales and mole. Tamales have always been a special part of my family's Christmas tradition. It's not just about the delicious taste of the dish but the process of making it that makes it so enjoyable. Every year, my family comes together to prepare the tamales, and it's a beautiful sight to see. From grinding the corn to preparing the meat filling, it's a labour of love that we put into it. The aroma of the tamales cooking on the stove fills the house, and everyone is eagerly waiting for them to be ready. The experience of eating tamales with my family is something that I cherish deeply.

Mole

asalazarc0003 — 2024-01-24 17:48:23 UTC

Mole is another dish that holds a special place in my heart. It's a complex sauce made with a blend of spices, chilies, nuts, and chocolate. The preparation of mole is time-consuming and requires a lot of patience, but the end result is worth it. Every time I have mole, it takes me back to my childhood when my grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen to make it. The taste of mole is something that is hard to describe - it's spicy, sweet, and savory all at the same time. It's a dish that has been passed down through generations in my family, and it's a reminder of our rich cultural heritage.

Putting baby Jesus back to sleep on Christmas

asalazarc0003 — 2024-01-24 17:54:42 UTC

Rocking Baby Jesus is a beautiful and heartwarming Mexican tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. The tradition originated from the posadas, which are nine-day celebrations leading up to Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve itself, before placing the Baby Jesus doll inside the Nacimiento, a posada party is held where the baby is rocked to sleep with a gentle lullaby known as “A la rorro niño”. This lullaby is usually included in the posada litany sheet booklet and is sung by family members and friends gathered around the baby. In my family, we have always followed this tradition every Christmas night after opening presents. We sing the lullaby and gently rock the baby Jesus to sleep, just as our ancestors did. It is a beautiful and meaningful way to honor the birth of Jesus and to come together as a family during the festive season. After the baby has been put to sleep, we kiss it good night and place it back in the bed, ready for the next Christmas celebration.

"You were there for me to love and care for me, when skies were gray. Whenever I was down, you were always there to comfort me"

asalazarc0003 — 2024-01-25 07:39:27 UTC

The following lyrics hold a special meaning for me: "You were there for me to love and care for me when skies were grey. Whenever I was down, you were always there to comfort me." These words remind me of the constant love and support my mother has given me throughout my life. She has always been my biggest cheerleader, pushing me to strive for the best. Even during my lowest moments, she managed to lift my spirits and bring a smile to my face. My mom is everything to me, and I always make an effort to show her how much she means to me.

"I don't have friends, I have family. At the end of the day, that's all I need, and you know that's what you'll always be. No matter how much time has passed, no I don't have friends."

asalazarc0003 — 2024-01-25 07:47:59 UTC

"I don't have friends, I have family. At the end of the day, that's all I need, and you know that's what you'll always be. No matter how much time has passed, no I don't have friends." This means that I love my family very much, and I will always want them to be a part of my life. Even during tough times, spending time with my family is all I need to get back up again. Although friends are great, my family always comes first. Family is always my top priority because they are the most important people in my life, and I want to make them proud.