guatemala Essay -- essays research papers

GUATEMALAGuatemalas culture is a unique convergence of Native American ways and a strong Spanish compound heritage. About half of Guatemalas population is mestizo (known in Guatemala as ladino), mess of mixed European and autochthonic ancestry. Ladino culture is superior in urban areas, and is heavily influenced by European and North American trends. Unlike whiley Latin American countries, Guatemala still has a outstanding indigenous population, the Maya, which has retained a distinct identity. Deeply rooted in the cracker-barrel highlands of Guatemala, many indigenous people speak a Mayan language, fall traditional religious and village customs, and continue a rich tradition in textiles and other crafts. The two cultures have made Guatemala a interlocking society that is deeply divided between rich and poor. This division has produced some(prenominal) of the tension and violence that have marked Guatemalas history (Guatemalan close and History).Much of Guatemalan life r evolves around families. Guatemalans say that parents are espejos (mirrors) through with(predicate) them, you learn who you are and what you can become. Children are able to depend on their parents for advice and guidance throughout their lives. Family members tend to live near each other, and Guatemalans seldom live or spend much time alone. Families as well veneration for elderly relatives, and godparents (padrinos) are considered an important part of the family. Guatemalan women tend to unite young and have many children. Women give birth at home, though in cities they may go to a hospital (family life). The typical rural family is industrious men usually work the fields, while women care for the children and hesitate beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. A diet of corn, beans, and a wide commixture of fresh fruits and vegetables is standard. Chicken and rice dishes are also common. Beef or pork is less common among the poorer classes, but commo n among middle and upper sectors in both town and country. Among a variety of native dishes, on festive occasions Guatemalans of all classes serve tam... ... as thieves and police, hide and seek, tenta (tag) and electisado (statues). Children also play with simple materials such as shells and stones, and girls lead dolls out of dough. Some school grounds have soccer fields, and the zippy is popular with both sexes. Boys also enjoy baseball, while girls prefer hoops or volleyball. A favorite evening activity is clustering on street corners to listen to ghost stories, including the one about the fearsome man with the big sombrero. Playtime is more limited for poorer children, who must help their parents on farms or with crafts (Sport and Recreation).Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, but the indigenous people of Guatemala have maintained a distinct identity, centered on lands and villages in the western highlands. Many speak a Mayan language rather than Spanish. Althoug h just about are poor by material standards, their lifestyle is ecologically and spiritually satisfying to them, and they have largely chosen to remain isolated from study life. The Guatemalan government at times has tried to suppress indigenous culture, make Spanish the universal language, and promote European ways (Guatemalan socialisation and History).