Virgin of Gualalupe Week 3

I am a Chinese, and before I came to the United States to study abroad, there was hardly any Chicanx or Latin-related culture present in my culture and upbringing, so I never knew about Virgin of Guadalupe. I first learned about Virgin of Guadalupe during the summer of 2019 when my friends and I drove to San Diego for vacation, where I saw a painting of Virgin of Guadalupe in a Mexican-inspired restaurant. 

At first, I didn't know who the lady in the portrait was, I thought she was the Virgin Mary, but after I returned to my place, I learned through looking up information on the Internet that she was Virgin of Guadalupe. From then on, this opened the door to my knowledge of Chicanx culture and religion.

Looking at the image of Virgin of Guadalupe from a spectator's point of view, as a whole, I see Virgin of Guadalupe surrounded by a holy light, which reminds me of "holiness" and "peace". In addition, I see her feet on the moon held up by angels, which reminds me of "holiness" and "divinity". Because I think her feet on the moon indicates that her existence is beyond the human world, and the angel holding the moon on her foot indicates that she is respected and protected.

In detail and on a deeper level, the crown that will appear in the image of Virgin of Guadalupe, the background of light, and the element of roses all symbolize the greatness and sacredness of motherhood that Virgin of Guadalupe displays as a female figure, and the qualities of tolerance and giving that woman emphasize for people. Underneath her sacred image, she also represents the nurturing and redemption of Mexico.

This is my understanding and impression of Virgin of Guadalupe. Although my current understanding of Virgin of Guadalupe may not be comprehensive or accurate, these are my real experiences and feelings related to Virgin of Guadalupe. I think Virgin of Guadalupe is important for me to understand the culture and history of Chicanx.