Kaleidoscope Mexico Cultural Preservation Museum Project by 連之雅Gemma Lien

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-19 00:13:24 UTC

The Kaleidoscope Museum Project aims to preserve the uniqueness of world culture by recording the cultures of different nations worldwide. This project is motivated by the effects of globalization, which creates cultural homogeneity and the blending of distinct traditions into shared world cultures that overpower respective national cultures. My role as an online contributor, as one of many worldwide, is to record the cultures of Mexico to ensure their traditions, history, and unique identity are preserved and accessible for future generations. Each online contributor involved with this global project will be involved in a digital archive and contribute by submitting 3 items across 10 categories, totaling 30 cultural items per participant. By collecting these elements, this effort captures the distinct aspects of various cultures demonstrating the effects of globalization. This effort is urgent because this generation’s rapid globalization and modernization are ending many traditional cultures. Global trends influence younger generations and multiple cultural exchanges are losing connections to their traditional heritage making it essential to document and preserve these cultural elements before they fade away. Mexico is known for its rich, vibrant, diverse cultural heritage shaped by its unique fauna and flora. Located in North America influenced by its Indigenous roots and Spanish customs with influences from other regions. These influences have given rise to iconic traditions, vibrant festivals, and celebrations on a global scale, which has also contributed to the decline of indigenous languages in Mexico which are gradually disappearing with younger generations shift towards dominant languages like English and Spanish. Indigenous people from the country’s native tribes have faced discrimination in speaking their language today about 60 percent of Mexico’s indigenous languages are at risk of disappearing, which disrupts traditional community structures and language transmission. The loss of cultural diversity would result in a homogenized world with countries lacking identity and depth. Documenting and preserving these elements in the Kaleidoscope Museum project ensures Mexico’s rich cultural heritage survives. This project must reflect the effects of cultural loss driven by globalization and modernization preserving Mexico’s distinct cultural identity amidst a shifting global landscape and ensuring the cultures are not overshadowed.

Day of the Dead

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-19 00:41:51 UTC

The "Day of the Dead" celebration, is combined with catholicism elements. Catholic churches moved the date of this celebration to coincide with catholic holidays. The families cleaned the cemeteries to wait for the spirits to come and used copal incense and food to draw in the spirits. This entire celebration creates an effect to reflect deeply on the person's life and they are still inside your heart. This celebration connects with the Indigenous traditions (from the Aztecs). It arises from rituals in which it takes part in the Indigenous cultures that are still alive today, illustrating the influence it has on a nation's culture. For more information click here https://www.history.com/news/day-dead-dia-de-muertos-origins

Cinco-de-mayo

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-26 00:46:03 UTC

This image demonstrates the recreation of the war at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. To celebrate Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire. Since the French were larger and better equipped than the Mexicans. They recognized the significance of the country’s ability to resist aggression and defend itself as a symbol of patriotism and unity. This celebration/festival originated because of one single battle. It started this way but later in the 1960s there were mistreatments of Mexican-Americans so they came back to Cinco-de-Mayo this effect gathered people together to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage. The influence this culture has brought Mexicans to gather together and celebrate their heritage.

For more information click here https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/cinco-de-mayo

Guelaguetza

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-26 01:27:24 UTC

Guelaguetza means gift or offering rooted in the Zapotec word. It brings Indigenous people together as it is participated by various Indigenous groups like the Zapotec, and Mixtec people. The effect of this culture has made them come together to perform traditional dances and wear elaborate costumes to share their culture. It represents an exchange of goods which reflects on the practice in indigenous communities. This influence on Mexico's culture adds significance as it is different from the other celebrations instead of individuality it mixes Indigenous groups and brings them together to represent an exchange of goods. For more information click here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guelaguetza

Roman Catholic

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-27 00:08:44 UTC

Roman Catholicism is the major religion of nearly every country in Latin America. Catholicism became the largest denomination representing 78% of the entire population in Mexico. This could be due to the Spanish and Portuguese colonization of the region, followed up with the Roman Catholic missions. The effect of this culture has put an end to the feared religious practices of indigenous Mexicans which included human sacrifices. Now the most important institution in Latin America is the Catholic church, as it controls the most important aspects of life from birth, marriage, and death. This religion had a huge influence on Mexico's culture as the most dominant religion in this country. For more information click here https://www.britannica.com/question/Why-is-Roman-Catholicism-so-prominent-in-Latin-America#:~:text=Roman%20Catholicism%20is%20the%20major,missions%20that%20accompanied%20those%20endeavours.

Protestantism

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-27 00:09:20 UTC

This is a religious practice that the Mexicans apply as well and it describes a branch of Christianity that emphasizes the justification of sinners through faith alone, teaches that salvation comes by unmerited divine grace, and teaches the Bible as the sole infallible source of authority of the Christian faith. This practice originated as a part of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, though originated in Europe it has influenced Mexico's religious landscape and is practiced by minority of Mexicans today contributing to a practice associated with religious landscapes. For more information click here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestantism

Aztec religion

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-27 00:09:49 UTC

The Aztec religion, rooted in pre-Columbian Mexico was a complex system of gods tied to supernatural and human elements. Gods like Quetzalcoatl and Huitzilopochtli represented wisdom, creation wars, and rituals. This polytheistic system underscores the Aztec understanding of life, death, and rebirth. This Indigenous religion has impacted their understanding of life. This culture showcases effects on their life and rituals honoring gods, and producing harmony. This belief system as a culture has impacted Mexican's everyday life. For more information click here https://study.com/academy/lesson/aztec-religion-beliefs-practices-mythology.html#:~:text=Aztec%20Beliefs,as%20serpents%20or%20winged%20creatures.

Charrería (Horseback riding)

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-27 00:11:28 UTC

This is a sport/tradition of horseback riding for Mexicans, symbolizing bravery in the sport. Mexico has been celebrated and embedded into the cultural consciousness. During the Ice Age, horses disappeared and were brought back to North America by the Spanish colonizers who used them for ranch and cattle herding. The written authorization by Marquis allowed Indigenous people to ride horses for herding cattle. The ranch workers are now called Charrors, the Mexican horseman a term for it, which developed into specialized skills. Those skills were eventually brought into events. This entire celebration creates an effect of keeping indigenous sports that dates back all the way to the start of Mexico during the Spanish colonizers. The influence of this culture helped to help keep a Mexican heritage alive for the charrors (cowboys). For more information click here https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/charreria#:~:text=Charrer%C3%ADa%2C%20the%20national%20sport%20of,conquistadors%20in%20the%20sixteenth%20century.

Lucha libre- A wrestling sport

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-27 00:11:54 UTC

This sport was introduced in Mexico during the French occupation. There was a Mexican wrestler who adopted Greco-Roman combat which created freestyle wrestling. It evolved into a cultural phenomenon in Latin America. Lucha Libre is more towards acrobatic high-flying and elaborative movements, and more focused on entertainment unlike the American WBA more relies on physical power. The focus on entertainment explains the colorful costumes, and masks, as it also incorporates the Cultural identity of the Mexicans and larger-than-life personas adding a mythological element to the sport. The effect this culture has on Mexico is the cultural elements with the clothing and having its own way of fighting showcases this influence this sport has as a culture. For more information click here https://www.laps.fr/en/p/25-lucha-libre#:~:text=Introduced%20in%20Mexico%20during%20the,the%20foundations%20of%20Lucha%20Libre.

Ulama- ancient ball sport

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-27 00:12:10 UTC

Ulama is one of the oldest ball sports in the world. This traditional ball sport is played in a few communities in the state of Sinaloa in Mexico. It is a renewed version of the Aztec version of the Mesoamerican ballgame. Ulama is played on a dirt field with a line in the center. they wear traditional outfits to play in it with face paint and clothes, players wear leather hip pads for protection. This culture is significant today as it dates back to 1400 BC and it is still played today in a few communities showcasing the influence this culture has, as it is still played today. For more information click here https://www.topendsports.com/sport/list/ulama.htm#:~:text=Ulama%20is%20a%20traditional%20ball,sides%20by%20a%20center%20line.

Voladores

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-27 00:12:44 UTC

Voladores is an ancient Mesoamerican ceremony/ ritual that is still performed today. This ritual was created because a few hundred years ago there was a severe drought that brought hunger to the people it seems that God was withholding the rain. This ceremony was created to appease the gods and bring back the rain. This ritual consists of dance and climbing on a 30-meter pole, participants then launch themselves as they descend into the ground. The ceremony was an untouchable cultural heritage by UNESCO since it is a unique culture and the Aztecs believed that Danza de los Voladores

was a symbol of their culture, helping the ritual to survive and thrive in the modern world. For more information click here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danza_de_los_Voladores

Temazcal

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-27 00:21:55 UTC

Temazcal generally is a sacred nd therapeutic ritual rooted in pre-Hispanic indigenous traditions of Mesoamerica, including Mexico. This ceremony will involve people going into a sweat lodge constructed from volcano stone. Volcanic rocks is heated in the fire and water is poured over the rocks tto produce steam . Herbs are added to purify the air and cleansing.This is a cleansing ritual which has lasted for about 1,000 years. It’s like a thanking nature ritual but being one with nature, the environment they surround themselves in. For more information click here https://www.journeymexico.com/blog/temazcal-ceremony-guide

Mayan balché

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-27 00:23:13 UTC

This balché is a tree of great importance for the Maya people. It is a drink made from bark that is presented as an offering during a ceremony. This sacred and magical drink prepares the body for the ceremony. This drink showcases great importance for Maya rituals, including parts of Mexico. The ancient Mayas used this drink in important ceremonies Ch’a’chaak rituals when they began to sow crops at the beginning of the Mayan calendar, showcasing the importance of this drink to its culture in Mexico for the Maya people. For more information click here https://localbiodiversityoutlooks.net/el-balche-sacred-trees-and-bees-of-the-maya-people-mexico/#:~:text=The%20balch%C3%A9%20is%20a%20tree,show%20favour%20to%20the%20crops

Chichen Itza

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-30 05:26:50 UTC

Chichen Itza is a ancient city that was built by the Mayan people over 1,000 years ago in what is now called Mexico. Its located in Yucatán Peninsula where there is underground rivers and cenotes (natural sinkholes). The Maya built Chichen Itza as a center for worship, tradeand community life. The cenote the Maya beileived it was connected to the Gods and they threw gold, sacrificed people to honor it to the Gods. this building showcases a mythological significance toward this building. For more information click here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico_City_Metropolitan_Cathedral

Palenque

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-30 05:27:14 UTC

The Palenque was an important city in a time of significant cultural and architectural development of the Maya civilization. The Palenque builders instead of using limestone construction, used plaster to obtain a smooth finish. One of Palenque's largest and most significant buildings contains hieroglyphic texts and a hidden crypt. Palenque stands out for its artistic and architectural sophistication, it has a more delicate and refined appearance because of the plaster finish. The city is on a UNESCO World Heritage site, demonstrating the importance of this architecture. For more information click here https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/411/

https://www.britannica.com/place/Palenque-ancient-city-Mexico#:~:text=The%20Palenque%20builders%20used%20plaster,cotta%20images%20have%20been%20found.

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-30 05:27:49 UTC

Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City, shows a mix of spanish and Mexican history. When the Spanish came to Mexico, they built the cathedral on top of an important Aztec sacred site. In this arcitecture the spanish influenced this design with European styles, like Gothic, and Baroque. This architecture is a major cultural and political center for Indigenous people in the region. This architecture is singificant because it emphasizes the blending between Spanish and indigenous cultures, and where Mexican's tradition and historical milesstones has been celebrated. For more information click here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico_City_Metropolitan_Cathedral

Barbacoa

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-30 05:28:58 UTC

this is a dish where it’s made from an ancient local Indigenous variation or method of slow-cooking meats prepared with parts from the heads of cattle. In ancient times in Mexico. It is generally cooked in a pit or earth oven. It generally refers to slow-cooking meats covered with agave. Because this method of cooking is used by different regions and ethnic groups and even has its name for it, this demonstrates this dish's importance to Mexican culture But typically this dish is just long smoked meats called Barbacoa. For more information click here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbacoa

Gorditas

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-30 05:29:20 UTC

Gorditas is a snack consisting of chopped lettuce, shredded cheese, cream, and sauce and has been part of Mexican cuisine for centuries. Their history is deeply rooted in the indigenous cultures of Mexico, where corn was a stable food. In ancient times, Gorditas were one of the most important dishes that characterized Mexican traditions and culture. Gorditas also contain corn, which was important for ancient Mexicans as a prop/food, as in Aztecs and Mesoamerican communities, gordtias are among these culinary delights. For more information click here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordita

Cochinita Pibil

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-30 05:30:23 UTC

Cochinita Pibil is built around pork with fattier cuts like the leg or shoulder preferred. This is a traditional kind of pork-filled dish it was a Mayan dish and this was during prehispanic times in the Maya lands. Deer was the main meat instead of pork. But today pork is the main ingredient of this dish. This dish is cooked underground and the meat is wrapped in leaves and placed to be cooked for hours. This prehispanic oven was used for big Mayan events, such as Hanal Pixan-rituals from the dead. Cooking this dish in an earth oven which dates back centuries during prehispanic times demonstrates this culture's effect and how it is still here as a cultural item in Mexico. For more information click here :https://www.tastingtable.com/1243481/cochinita-pibil-yucatan/#:~:text=History%20of%20cochinita%20pibil&text=This%20tender%20pork%20dish%20hails,Spanish%20slang%20for%20small%20pig.

Mayan

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-30 05:31:06 UTC

This language forms a language community spoken in Mesoamerica, both in the south of Mexico and northern America. The first url talks about the history and origin of this language. The second URL talks about how it is used and the number amount of people speaking this language which is 6 million. It is part of the ancient history of Mexico. For more information click here :https://www.babbel.com/en/magazine/mayan-language

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayan_languages#:~:text=The%20Mayan%20languages%20form%20a,Belize%2C%20El%20Salvador%20and%20Honduras

Spanish

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-30 05:32:30 UTC

Spanish is the primary language spoken in Mexico.Because of the Spanish migration. The vast majority of Mexicans have at least partial Spanish ancestry. This URL talks about how Spanish became the dominant language in Mexico and why Spanish is the dominant language in Mexico today. For more information click here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaniards_in_Mexico

Nahuatl

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-30 05:33:13 UTC

Is a language also known as the Aztecs and has been spoken in central Mexico for a long time now. It was during the centuries that preceded the Spanish Aztec conquests. This url talks about the demography and how it became a prestige language and how the Aztecs managed to make this language a somewhat dominant one. For more information click here :https://www.indigenousmexico.org/articles/the-nahuatl-language-of-mexico-from-aztlan-to-the-present-day

Ranchera (Music)

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-30 05:39:55 UTC

This genre of music dates back to before the Mexican Revolution. How this kind of music is one of the regional Mexican music styles. Ranchera the word comes from Ranch, because the songs originated on the ranches and countryside of rural Mexico. For more information click here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranchera

Frida Kahlo (art)

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-30 09:58:41 UTC

She is a mexican painter that is best known for her uncompriomising and colored self portraits that is known for her multifaclated life and her unique personality which is shown through her artwork. For more information click here https://www.fridakahlo.org/frida-kahlo-biography.jsp

La Llorona

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-30 10:36:39 UTC

This is a myth and a popular ghost story. The story is about a woman who drowns her children and haunts bodies of water while wailing for them. The myth is shown to be that her cries are to lure people to their deaths and when anyone who hears her is warned to behave or risk being taken away. This myth is told in various events even in a specific event (day of the dead.) For more information click here https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2021/10/la-llorona-an-introduction-to-the-weeping-woman

The Kissing Alley in Guanajuato, Mexico

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-30 10:37:58 UTC

This myth originally came from a love story between two people and now when people or travelers as a couple visit the kissing alley must climb to the third step and kiss or else have seven years of bad luck. For information click here https://blog.xcaret.com/en/the-most-popular-myths-and-legends-of-mexico/

The birth of Huitzilopochtli

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-30 10:38:26 UTC

This is a particular Aztec God, he was known as a particular primary god of war in ancient Mexico. This URL gives information about this particular God in Mexico and was known to bring them into what is now Mexico City too. It is useful because it talks about the ancient history and the mythology behind it that the Aztecs believed. For more information click here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hu%C4%ABtzil%C5%8Dp%C5%8Dchtli#Mythology

Biography- Vincente Fernandez (musician)

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-30 11:51:20 UTC

Vincente Fernandez was born on February 17th, 1940 died in 2021. Vicente is a Mexican mariachi singer and the genre he produces is Ranchera genre, he does all of Regional Mexican music. Fernadez started as a busker and went on to become a musician that is a cultural icon internationally, spreading the cultures of Mexico with this music. Having recorded more than 100 albums. His work earned him 4 Grammy awards. Vincente’s influence extends over realms of music. His mariachi performances, and iconic Charro outfits showcase his deep connection to Mexico. his songs, for instance, "Volver Volver" is a ranchera music that has been a genre linked to gatherings, well-known used to gatherings in Mexico which showcasing the type of music he produces. Vincente Fernandez music sold 50 million copies worldwide,

Biography- Diego Rivera (muralist)

gemmalien5053 — 2024-12-30 11:51:51 UTC

Diego was born on 1886 December 8th and died in 1957. He was one of the most prominent Mexican artists of the 20th century, he is known for his role in the Mexican muralism movement. His art celebrated Mexican identity and history. Rivera’s contribution to the art and culture remains Mexico’s cultural image. Born in Guanajuato, Mexico, Rivera had an artistic talent at a young age. He studied at the Academy of San Carlos in Mexico City. He traveled to Europe to further this education. In Europe, Rivera immersed himself in the avant-garde art scene, developing his unique approach to cubism. Cubism is a radical art movement. His murals like the “Dream of the Sunday afternoon in Alameda Park “The Day of the Dead revisit the theme of Mexican history in this crowded dynamic composition. Rivera's murals are reflected politically and are monumental blending history, politics, and culture. His work includes the National Palace and the Ministry of Public Education in Mexico City. These murals celebrated the lives of the hard-working class and Indigenous people, depicting them as central to Mexico’s national identity.

Click here for Diego Rivera interview audio file

gemmalien5053 — 2025-01-03 11:02:49 UTC

Click here for Vincente Fernandez spoken interview (audio file)

gemmalien5053 — 2025-01-03 11:05:57 UTC

Click here for a Video Vicente Fernández - Hermoso Cariño (En Vivo)

gemmalien5053 — 2025-01-03 14:48:28 UTC

Video link towards his song

Click here for a video clip of El Jarabe Tapatio (ranchera music)

gemmalien5053 — 2025-01-03 14:57:48 UTC

Three Náhuatl Poems from Mexico

gemmalien5053 — 2025-01-03 15:18:09 UTC

Mexico's National anthem (english subtitles)

gemmalien5053 — 2025-01-03 15:23:51 UTC

gemmalien5053 — 2025-01-06 02:03:24 UTC

Traditional Mexican Fashion Photo gallery approach

gemmalien5053 — 2025-01-08 06:26:56 UTC

Work cited

gemmalien5053 — 2025-01-08 06:42:15 UTC

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hW1gLRCZGzYFO8EJJIlB7x3kskngOsRt3hUZuJYiHxI/edit?usp=sharing

Traditional Mexican accessories Photo gallery approach

gemmalien5053 — 2025-01-09 00:43:31 UTC