Mexican Culture
Mexican culture is one of the most complex, boasting a diverse history and cultural influences. It was influenced by indigenous people, immigrants and Spanish colonists from other parts of the world. However, the culture reflects many of the blended aspects of traditional and modern culture while emphasizing various issues, including the family, religion and celebrations (Zimmermann et al., 2022). It also places a lot of importance on cuisine, art, music and special customs. This culture has had immense impacts on cultures all over the world and continues to do so as various people continue interacting with others. This paper explores various aspects of Mexican culture and its relevance.
Background to Mexican Culture
Mexican culture is a complex fusion of indigenous Mesoamerican roots and influences from Europe, particularly Spain. Numerous facets of Mexican culture, including its art, music, literature, food, and language, are influenced by this blend. Aztec and Mayan ancestry, as well as the country’s sizable Latino population, all had a significant impact on Mexican culture. Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos, Cinco de Mayo, and the Guelaguetza festival are just a few of Mexico’s colourful customs (Zimmermann et al., 2022). Mexico is also well-known for its bright and diverse handicrafts, as well as for its lively street and folk-art forms.
Cultural Values
Mexican culture is founded upon strong cultural values that emphasize respect, family, religion, and traditional; values. The culture is deeply rooted in its spiritual and religious values, which are typically derived from the Catholic faith (Frankovich, 2019). Within the context of this culture, the value of family, respect, and honor cannot be overstated. It is expected of that people they will respect the norms and principles that have been around for generations. In addition, Mexicans have a great sense of community, which is demonstrated by the fact that they like participating in joyous festivals and are dedicated to assisting their friends, family, and neighbors. They have the disposition to be easygoing and calm, emphasizing taking pleasure in life and having fun. Education is another highly valued topic in Mexican culture; parents work hard to give their children the best opportunities possible so they can develop to their maximum potential.
Religion
Because of the influence of Spanish missionaries in the 16th century, the predominant religion in Mexican culture is Catholicism (Frankovich, 2019). This faith was brought to Mexico by the Spanish. It is inextricably entwined with the culture, with most holidays and events having some aspect of religious significance to them. The Virgin of Guadalupe is especially revered since she is honored with the title of the patron saint of Mexico, which she received in the 18th century (Frankovich, 2019). Other aspects of the Catholic religion are also widely practiced, such as processions, pilgrimages, and devotional rituals. In addition, there is a robust legacy of folk Catholicism, characterized by incorporating pre-Hispanic religious rituals and beliefs into Catholicism. It is not uncommon for individuals to seek assistance from local healers and spiritual guides, and syncretism between Catholicism and other religions is widespread.
Diet Preferences
Mexican food relies heavily on corn, beans, squash, garlic, and chile peppers. It is high in carbohydrates, protein, and fiber yet low in fat. Fat is also low. Traditional Mexican cooking uses mostly lard and vegetable oil (Santiago-Torres et al., 2016). Mexican cuisine rarely uses butter. Mexicans also eat a range of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, including cheeses and yogurts, which contribute to the country’s abundant agricultural and dairy offers. Mexicans love spicy meals and utilize many herbs and spices. Their cuisine reflects this fiery predilection. Tacos, tamales, and pozole remain popular despite the rise in processed meals and soft drinks.
Family
The family unit plays an essential role in Mexican society and is considered to be the fundamental unit of the culture. Families are often quite large, with members of the extended family either living under the same roof or in close proximity (Zoucha & Zamarripa-Zoucha, 2021). The concept of the family as a cohesive entity that provides support and consistency is widely held. A high emphasis is placed in Mexican families on values such as respect and loyalty to one another, which are then passed down from one generation to the next. Families in Mexico are typically quite close-knit, and members frequently lean on one another for both emotional and financial assistance.
Most traditional families have a hierarchical structure, with the father serving as the head of the home (Putri et al., 2022). While the father is expected to be the primary provider of financial support and a key decision-maker, it is typical for the woman to assume the duty of caring for the children physically and emotionally. The extended family, which includes the child’s grandparents, aunts, and uncles, all contribute to the child’s upbringing, is extremely important in Mexican society. People in authority are frequently respected; the importance is typically placed on following the rules and respecting elders. Children are therefore taught to revere and submit to their parents, as well as other elders and those in positions of power. Because loyalty and solidarity are so highly valued in Mexican society, it is customary for family members to watch out for and support one another when things are tough.
Communication
Mexicans are known for their warm, pleasant, and informal communication. Mexicans frequently use their body language and non-verbal cues to express their sentiments and emotions. Distance between two people communicating is less important in this culture, and people are likely to communicate while standing two or three feet from each other (Mexicomate, 2021). However, unnecessary eye contact is considered disruptive in Mexican culture and should be avoided. Mexicans tend to be fairly forthright in their communication and frequently express their emotions without hesitation. The emotional expressions of Mexicans are extremely well known; they frequently exhibit enthusiasm and joy with raucous voices and gestures.
Regarding gender, men exert their authority over women, even in communication. They are expected to express themselves very confidently and showcase their strength by providing for their families. They make all major family decisions, while the women are expected to be submissive.
Mexicans typically favor face-to-face contact over digital or written communication when it comes to communication preferences. They also favor using Spanish, which is their mother tongue, when speaking. In communication, tact and respect are extremely important to Mexicans, and they anticipate having their opinions heard and respected. They also strongly emphasize family and friendship, frequently prioritizing personal ties over business ones (Mexicomate, 2021). Therefore, individuals could be more prone to engage in in-depth discourse with friends or family than coworkers or business partners. Remembering this when conversing with Mexicans is vital because they also tend to communicate relatively straightforwardly.
Conclusion
Mexican culture is a rich and vibrant mix of traditional and modern influences that have been shaped over centuries. Mexican culture has something to offer everyone from its vibrant music and art to its exquisite cuisine and vibrant festivals. It is a culture that is both inclusive and diverse, one that values family and community. Many people belong to the Catholic faith, but with unique features since the Mexicans place particular importance on the queen of Guadalupe. The culture is mainly patriarchal since men are expected to make significant decisions concerning the family and communicate them to the wife. The culture is unique in its way.
