TATTOOS TOLD A STORY

by Buck Conner 12/12/2023, 4:23 pm

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TATTOOS TOLD A STORY

In the pre-Hispanic world, tattoos were considered a symbol of bravery, since in those times they were made with cactus spines. The tattoos also told stories, legends and exploits and, when you saw a person with a tattoo, you immediately knew that he had something to tell. The Catholic Church tried to "demonize" the use of tattoos and, although there are still many people who associate tattoos with crime, Mexicans are not afraid of carrying stories written on our skin.

BATHE TWICE A DAY
When the Spaniards arrived on our continent, they noticed that the population was extremely clean and that, in addition to bathing twice a day in rivers and streams, all the houses had a temazcalli . And that both things were part of the daily routine of personal hygiene. It is worth noting the contrast with the customs of the Spaniards, who hardly even bathed.

BRUSH YOUR TEETH AFTER EACH MEAL
It is well known that the natives of the American continent were always very clean, and dental care was no exception. For this they used a mixture of honey and tortilla ashes, since honey is antibacterial and the ashes work as a polisher for the teeth. The Spaniards were very surprised to notice the white smiles of the natives who also kept their teeth until death.

CHILDREN CALLED "SCUINCLES"
The Xoloitzcuintle is a breed of dog native to Mexico. These puppies lack fur and can have three different sizes. They are dogs that as children are very restless, jealous and even rude with strangers, although they are very affectionate with their owner.

EAT SHAVED ICE
It is said that Lord Motecuhzoma II, Lord of Tenochtitlan, ordered to bring snow from the Popocatépetl volcano only so that a delicacy made of snow, fruit syrup, flowers, vanilla or honey would be prepared for him. It was such an exclusive dessert that only the nobility could consume it. In our days, and although they are still a delicacy for kings, we can all access the delicious, shaved ice!

SPEAK IN DIMINUTIVE
The original peoples expressed themselves with children in a more affectionate way than with the rest of the people, calling them with tender nicknames such as cocoton, or nishi . This is a custom that has survived to this day, not only in our treatment of the little ones, but also in the use we make of diminutives in our daily lives. Now you know where this custom comes from!

DRINK FRUIT WATER
This custom was very strange to Europeans, since the enormous variety of fruits found in Mexico was not known there. The abundance of fruits was such that, in addition to eating them, we can afford to mix them with water or honey to drink them.

EAT TORTILLA AND SPICY FOODS
We Mexicans cannot go a day without eating tortillas or spicy foods. We have inherited it from our parents and they from their ancestors. The native food did not undergo major transformations since the European invasion and only new ingredients from other continents were added. These additions enhanced the flavors, and while they created some new foods, the essence remains the same to this day. Believe me that the history of our town could be told through the tortilla and the spicy food...
Yuri Ilardo

Thank you for the story Johnny Depp ...