As a Chicana from Los Angeles and being raised as culturally catholic, I have different experiences with the Virgin of Guadalupe. I will outline these experiences in the various forms I have come into contact with her, such as family, the media, religion, and decoration.
I will begin with the most prominent figure of the Virgin in my life, which is my Abuelita named Guadalupe. She was named after the virgensita and is a devout cathloic. In her bedroom, she has a large Virgen de Guadalupe poster held by the corner of her vanity mirror. When I think of Guadalupe, I can’t help but think of my Abuela; they are intertwined. To me, they both symbolize a strong Mexican woman, dedicated to their faith (be it God, or just the hope that everything will be okay), and protector of children.
Another way I have interacted with the Virgen of Guadalupe is through decoration. Growing up as a little girl, I would always pay my respects to the Guadalupe Statue in my yard because she gave us beautiful roses every year. She was also plaster everywhere on our yearly ofrenda during Dia de Los Muertos. She was on the tall candles, in mini statues, framed pictures, and engraved in rosaries. She is not something you would forget to place on the ofrenda, which speaks volumes to how significant Guadalupe is in my family’s life.
Lastly, I see Guadalupe in the media through her hit show on Univision, La Rosa de Guadalupe.
This show had positively influenced the way I see the Virgen de Guadalupe as a site of miracles and protection. Despite the horrible acting and dramatic plots, the infamous scene of wind blowing and a rose appearing to those who pray to her for help is ingrained in my mind. To me, she is also a site of wisdom and miracles.
I love your perspective and relationship to the Virgin of Guadalupe, Jaqueline! The fact that you think of your Abuela or how she symbolizes a strong Mexican woman or in decoration is very sentimental, personal, and sounds like a strong relationship. Great post!
ReplyDeleteHi Jaqueline, I think it's so great that you continuously pay your respects to La Virgen in such beautiful ways! I can also relate to thinking of my bisabuela whenever I see or think of La Virgen. I'm always reminded of how our abuelitas are some very powerful and strong women.
ReplyDeleteHi! I love that La Rosa De Guadalupe positively influenced your relationship with her! I'm glad that we both agree that the acting is indeed horrible and the plots are dramatic. Also, until you pointed it out, I didn't realize that a lot of people are named after the Guadalupe ... I know at least four!
ReplyDeleteHi Jaqueline!
ReplyDeleteI could not help to laugh at how I did not think about La Rosa de Guadalupe for my post! You are so right! That show has been running for as long as I can remember and now thinking about it critically, I can't help but to notice all the symbolism and devotion certain networks push on their viewers. I can remember sitting for hours watching the show and the life lessons it taught not only me but my family members as well.
Hi Jaqueline, I’m fascinated by the different ways you see the Virgin of Guadalupe in your life through your family, media, decorations, and religion. I can relate to the family aspect of the Virgin of Guadalupe because all of my life and even today the Virgin has represented a sign of unity and protection to my family who has always cared about us. The Virgin’s presence is evident through my Catholic faith and in the statues and images of her all throughout my house. Thank you for sharing how the Virgin has personally shown up in your life through your abuelita and even the hit Univision show.
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