For the Mexican community living in Los Angeles, undoubtedly
one of the traditions that stays in practice has to be what is known in Spanish
as the Candelaria. Although it is a
Catholic holiday it is not known for its religious significance. The most
present characteristic, and very specific to Mexico, is the feast of tamales on
that day. Every February 2nd, whoever found the little plastic doll referred to
as the baby Jesus at the Rosca de Reyes
(Celebrated on January 6th) is obliged to hold a feast with tamales. In
Mexico, this is a very fun holiday (Except for those charged with supplying the
tamales). So why does this delicious variation of such an old Christian holiday
exist?
If January 6th is the day the King’s visit the
baby Jesus, then it is on February 2nd that he is presented at the
temple. Catholics know this day as, "Feast of Purification" or as the
"Presentation of Christ at the Temple." Mexico
has taken tamales as the traditional food of choice to commemorate this event.
For Americans February 2nd is celebrated as Groundhog Day. It is no coincidence that this day is significant in many places since it marks the mid-way point between the winter
solstice and spring equinox. So, as is custom, festivities overlap to facilitate transition from one faith/culture to another.
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