Author Archives: corcuera

The Power of the Coffin

Nationality: Ghanaian/British
Primary Language: English
Age: 23
Occupation: Student
Date: 4/24/2024

Text: 

Me: “Is there any rituals or traditions that you or your family have for the dead?”

B.A.: “Yes. In Ghana there is something known as ‘fantasy coffins’”

Me: “Could you give me more insight on what that means?”

B.A.: “ It’s  a unique funeral tradition, that is made up of these custom-made coffins that reflect the deceased’s life, interests, or profession. Some examples I’ve seen or heard of are  fish for a fisherman or a car for a driver, symbolizing their passage into the next life.”

Context:

B.A. became fascinated with this practice after a trip to Ghana where he had to  attend a relative’s funeral. He remembered his mom explaining to him what the coffin itself represented. And now views these coffins as a powerful form of artistic expression that honors the individuality of the deceased. 

Analysis:

This tradition also illustrates how funerals can celebrate life rather than merely mourning death. The personalized coffins serve as a final tribute, as a memorable piece that showcases the essence of the deceased’s life. It also can represent their legacy and the part of them that they want to continue celebrating even in death. 

Venetian Mask

Nationality: Italian/Ethiopian
Primary Language: English
Age: 21
Occupation: Student
Date: 4/19/2024

Text:

“Masks are not just decorative during the Venetian Carnival, but they are deeply embedded in the history of Venice. They resemble masquerade masks but are a representation of social freedom, allowing people from different classes to mingle without prejudice.”

Context:

S.Y.,being part Italian, grew up hearing about the carnival and learning about its significance. He recently saw it himself a few years ago when he went to visit his family on his mom’s side. He recounts the masks being explained as a symbolic prop that represents the transformative power of tradition. 

Analysis:

The tradition of wearing masks reflects an aspect of social disguise and a sense of freedom. It’s intriguing how this practice serves as a temporary bandage to social equality. Allowing those to temporarily turn away from societal barriers when it comes to class and race, especially for my participant as he is mixed. It can also be expressed as a performative aspect of identity.

A Food for Thought

Nationality: Mexican/American
Primary Language: English
Age: 22
Occupation: Student
Date: 4/21/2024

Text: “Mole is not just a dish. To us it’s a culinary ritual in Mexican culture.” 

Context:

E.C. recalls her grandmother’s meticulous process of making mole for family reunions. She said it was made with over 15 ingredients, sometimes including chocolate and various spices. Also adding that its preparation is often reserved for special occasions and is a labor of love to bring to a reunion.

Analysis:

Mole exemplifies the deep connection between food and cultural identity, serving as a tangible link to history and to the complexity of Mexican culinary arts. I also interpret this tradition as a celebration of culinary heritage. It also has the power to strengthen familial bonds and honor their ancestors.

Dia de Los Muertos

Nationality: Mexican/American
Primary Language: English
Age: 22
Occupation: Student
Date: 4/21/2024

Text:

“In Mexico, the Day of the Dead is not just a time to mourn our loved ones who have passed but also a celebration of life. Families create altars with photos, foods, and items the deceased loved. It’s a colorful, vibrant expression of remembrance.”

Context:

E.C. first experienced Day of the Dead with her family in Mexico City. She explains that this tradition reflects the Mexican view on mortality and the afterlife. She remembers her grandma explaining that it is connection rather than separation.

Analysis:

This celebration challenges a lot of common perceptions of death in other cultures. As Mexicans take it in as a part of life to be embraced and celebrated. It’s a powerful reflection of how cultural practices can shape attitudes toward life and death. And how their interpretation is a more lively and uplifting one compared to other cultures.

Siete Infantes de Lara

Nationality: Spanish

Primary Language: Spanish/English

Age: 25

Occupation: Student

Residence: Madrid

Date: 3/28/2024

Text:

J.M- “The tale of the “Siete Infantes de Lara”, is a story in which seven Spanish brothers get double-crossed by their uncle because he’s holding a grudge. He sends them off to Cordoba on a mission that turns out to be a trap and they all end up getting killed. It’s a pretty sad turn of events. But then, their younger half-brother, Mudarra, steps up. Mudarra has both Christian and Muslim roots, which is significant to the story. He decides to go on a mission of his own to settle the score and gets revenge on the uncle for what he did. The whole story represents betrayal, and a quest for family honor amidst the backdrop of the old Christian-Muslim clashes in Spain.”

Context:

The participant was told this tale as a young boy by his parents. He describes it as an action filled story that also holds family values, and teaches the importance of loyalty. Recounts it as a bedtime story that made him value heroistic qualities.

Analysis:

Although this is a childhood story, it has many themes that help with instilling familial values and lightly explains historical tensions in Spain. The tale reflects the broader cultural and religious tensions between Christians and Muslims in medieval Spain, with Mudarra’s mixed Christian and Muslim heritage. It is also more than just a story of medieval conflict; it is a reflection on human values, the complexities of familial and political relationships, and the enduring quest for justice and honor