Growing up in a Mexican household with parents who were somewhat catholics, made me aware of the image of La Virgen de Guadalupe. When I was a kid, I noticed that a lot of my family members, including my parents, had some representation of the Virgen de Guadalupe. They either had mini statues, necklaces, cuadros, or candles of the Virgen de Guadalupe. I never knew what it meant or why my family had her in their houses. I remember my grandma would say things like “rézale a la Virgensita de Guadalupe…”.
I recall going to classes for my first communion but if I’m being honest, I did not pay much attention. I do not associate myself with catholicism or with any other religion; however, my parents would make me go to those classes as a kid. I know La Virgen de Guadalupe was brought up many times, one time we had a celebration outside of the church and many people gathered around a big painting of her. I could tell that she was an important figure for these people.
Aside from being a huge part of catholicism, it has become a symbol for Mexican identity. I noticed this within my family. Many of my family members are not super religious and do not necessarily go to church but they still have symbols of her in their homes. In today’s times, I have noticed that she is a symbolism for many distinct things and everyone interprets her differently. As for me, I do not necessarily have a personal connection with her but my culture does and I totally respect that and am willing to learn more about her.
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