A gratefully accepted and began attending the family meetings regarding this upcoming event. Apparently there had been previous meetings but I was only made aware of the event as part of this project so I got to go to the final four meetings.
The first thing that happens during this event is that the girl renews her commitment to God and to the church before her family and friends and congregation members.
The ceremony is serious with bells ringing and music playing at the church which can be decorated for the event.
In the case of this family the church was decorated with white satin and ribbon and flowers. On addition when the church part was over there were a dozen white doves released into the sky as the girl made her way outside among the onlookers.
Following the church service the family throws a large party. It was explained to me that the extent and lavishness of the party has a dependency on the wealth of the family but that it is an important enough event that the only thing more expensive for the family of the girl is her wedding day.
For this event we hired a live band, contracted with three restaurants to cater the event and sent out 500 invitations. It is a party that will be remembered for the girl's entire life and all the stops are pulled out.
The party lasted from 3 p.m until 3 a.m the following morning with food, drink and dance.
During the preparations for this party the family took time to immerse me into the importance of celebration in the Hispanic culture. I learned that celebration is a vital component of the culture and that inviting all friends and family is considered proper etiquette for birthday and other celebrations.
One example was the birthday party I...
While the child was only turning two years old and was unaware that it was even his birthday it was a celebration that included no less than 65 guests and music and food that lasted well into the night.
The experience was one that left me wishing the American culture included such joy at all occasions and celebration for the most common events.
As I closed my immersion experience I realized that the Hispanic culture is mostlrty based in family and togetherness. Whereas Americans pride themselves on privacy and personal space the Hispanic population is connected by the togetherness and crowded conditions that they purposely set up.
Multiple generations living under one roof, large parties that hundreds attend and the very fact that many adults re instrumental in the raising of each child gave me a new respect and appreciation for a culture I have lived near for years but never really examined.
CONCLUSION
This immersion project provided me with the opportunity to learn about Hispanic culture in a way that was much more enjoyable and interesting than reading it in a book. Through this project I got to live as a Hispanic for short times and really feel what they feel during various times of family life. Whether it was attending festivals, church or going to a young girl's coming out party I was surrounded with Hispanic family members that went out of their way to help me understand. I came away with the understanding that the Hispanic culture is about love, celebration and enjoyment of life, something I think many of us could learn from.
REFERENCE
Good News from the Hispanic Church (Accessed 10-29-06) http://www.ctlibrary.com/bc/2004/julaug/9.18.html
