Musing on Mexico

¡Viva México! ¡Viva!

Today is the bicentennial of the Treaty of Cordoba, by which Spain recognized Mexico's sovereignty, signaling an end to the independence movement that started in 1810.

While I have never been to Mexico, I strongly sense the country is part of who I am.

Its history stretches far back to ancient cultures, like the Olmecs, known for their giant head statues, one of which is at Chicago's Field Museum, and the Maya.

The Aztecs contributed significantly to Mexico's identity, as the eagle perched on the cactus with a serpent in its mouth at Lake Texcoco persists as an important symbol, especially on the Mexican flag.  Lake Texcoco became the site of Tenochtitlan.

Then the Spanish came and colonized Mexico, building a new capital for the colony, Mexico City, over Tenochtitlan. Spanish became prevalent in Mexico, even as the country today has numerous indigenous groups.  It was especially awesome to see on live TV the Mass that Pope Francis celebrated in Chiapas during his February 2016 trip to Mexico.

Then on September 16, 1810, came the cry, "El Grito de Dolores" from Padre Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla that launched the independence movement, which is recalled late in the night of September 15 in the Zocalo of Mexico City.

Years of conflict led to Mexico's independence in 1821.  A century later brought the Mexican Revolution that changed the government to give greater attention to working class people.  

The sense of striving in these various movements is apparent in the lyrics of the Mexican national hymn, which speaks about the people of Mexico committing to fight, and even die, for the country and to uphold its honor.

The reforms of the Mexican Revolution sought to curb the force of powerful institutions like the Roman Catholic Church.  Yet they also led to the oppression of the Roman Catholic Church and the faithful who only seeking to live out their faith peaceably.  Their resistance efforts led to the Cristero War, which led to multiple martyrs, some of whom have been canonized.

Roman Catholicism persists as an important part of Mexican identity, ever since the day in December 1531 when San Juan Diego saw La Virgen de Guadalupe on Tepeyac near Mexico City.  She came in the appearance of an indigenous Aztec woman, desiring to led the indigenous Mexicans to God.  I have heard the story that a BIshop in Mexico was concerned Christianity wouldn't take hold in the land unless God intervened mightily, and He certainly did, resulting in mass conversions.

For me, being Mexican and being Roman Catholic are tied very closely as part of my identity.  And that's why I make a point to attend a festive Mass annually on December 12, to celebrate la Virgen de Guadalupe and the impact she had on the Mexican people.  It's truly an occasion to celebrate and feast.

There's so much of Mexican cuisine that I enjoy, as I recall fond memories of the Mexican food my Abuela made when I was growing up and went to visit her and my Abuelo.  It's been a family custom for many years to gather and make tamales as an Advent/Christmas tradition, just as my Abuela did with her family in the years of her youth.  I've also enjoyed dishes such as sopes, tacos, and posole.

Mexican culture has a strong presence through the United States in major cities and even in more rural areas.  One place I enjoy visiting is Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, to savor the feel of Mexico in the businesses along 18th Street and also at the National Museum of Mexican Art.  The museum has a wonderful gallery showcasing Mexican history and culture.  They also do a great job with their annual exhibit for Dia de los Muertos.

So while I have yet to travel to Mexico, and I hope to do so some day, I have had so many ways that I've connected with Mexico.  And as Mexico reaches a milestone, the bicentennial of the treaty that marked a critical moment in its history, I celebrate.

¡Viva México! ¡Viva!