La Virgen De Guadalupe is an important part of my household, but especially for me because she keeps me connected to my roots. My family has never been very big on religion so we were not the type of people to consistently attend church every weekend, rather my parents taught me right from wrong so I do not depend on religion to give me an understanding of that. Even though attending church was never a big part of my life, my family and I have always acknowledged el dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe. I do not consider myself religious but la Virgen de Guadalupe has always been an important figure to me, I have always had jewelry with her image on it and wear a necklace with her on it every day. I love being able to watch las mananitas for la Virgen de Guadalupe when they broadcast it on TV, and I hope to be able to experience this in real life in the basilica in Mexico City. A very clear memory I have is my grandparent's house back in Mexico where we have an altar for her, there my grandparents always have a candle for her and fresh flowers. When I am able to visit, I always make sure to buy a bouquet of fresh flowers to place on the altar upon my arrival and give thanks for my safe arrival to the homelands. Back home in Los Angeles, my family and I like to visit her image in el Mercado de Los Angeles, especially on her day when the entire community gathers to bring her candles and flowers. It is beautiful to see the community gather and share space.
At a young age, I have always heard stories from my mothers' friends, some of whom are firmly devoted to her because she helped them through a rough patch in their life or they claim she performed a miracle after they asked for her help with something. I like hearing these stories because it gives insight into why she has been such an important part of Chicano culture. I personally feel more connected to my Mexican identity especially since I am not religious and I know for lots of people in my community attending church regularly is essential. There were times where I felt a bit out of place because I could not relate with that feeling of consistently going to church being a main part of life. I never found church to be important because I realized at a young age that it was always the family members who were not the greatest people to others and consistently gossiping about other peoples misfortunes who attend church regularly. I found it rather paradoxical, so I preferred to not surround myself with such energy and just practice my faith at home, as long as I know I am a good person what others in my family think about me not attending church does not bother me. But I am happy I was able to find common ground in relation to the importance of honoring la Virgen de Guadalupe. I personally love to support artisans and their craft and I was able to get a crystal Virgen de Guadalupe shipped out to me made by artisans in Mexico city. I found it to be the perfect addition to my apartment now that I am living on my own and do not have access to the Virgen de Guadalupe my parents have back home.
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