As long as I can remember my parents celebrated events around food. Growing up, it wasn't uncommon for Mom to cook a turkey dinner on Sunday. Dinner was prayed for and eaten as a family around the table. Not only did we learn table manners, but social manners as well. During dinner, family members engaged in topics of interest and sometimes controversy while enjoying a well cooked and healthy meal. Many of my college instructors and professors have complimented me on my well developed communication style. My parents' willingness to prepare such meals and talk with their children young and old contributed greatly to my ability to think through and discuss challenges that matter.
I guess it shouldn't come as a surprise to me that even though my parents both come from European-American backgrounds, that they too embrace many aspects of my husband's side of the family's Latino culture--especially those centered around food. Last week, my brother, his wife, and children came for a visit to Washington. For memorial day, Mom asked if I would help her chop garnishes for pesole. Pesole is a hardy pork and chicken stew, many times reserved for special occasions such as Christmas or New Years. For me it is a symbol of family togetherness and cultural tradition. Yesterday, I got up early to shop at la tienda for essential items such as freshly warm corn tortillas. As I chopped onions, tomatoes, cabbage, and jalapenos I contemplated the richness of family. I celebrated this love through my labor and care.
My mother-in-law taught me how to prepare special traditional foods such as pesole, tamales, menudo, or mole while working together in the kitchen. My Spanish is most fluent while centering around these activities. I am not sure if it is because where I feel grounded and loved or because the food is so delicious that I am more motivated to learn. Whatever the reason, the Spanish language comes to life in my mind while preparing or sharing a meal.
I guess it shouldn't come as a surprise to me that even though my parents both come from European-American backgrounds, that they too embrace many aspects of my husband's side of the family's Latino culture--especially those centered around food. Last week, my brother, his wife, and children came for a visit to Washington. For memorial day, Mom asked if I would help her chop garnishes for pesole. Pesole is a hardy pork and chicken stew, many times reserved for special occasions such as Christmas or New Years. For me it is a symbol of family togetherness and cultural tradition. Yesterday, I got up early to shop at la tienda for essential items such as freshly warm corn tortillas. As I chopped onions, tomatoes, cabbage, and jalapenos I contemplated the richness of family. I celebrated this love through my labor and care.
My mother-in-law taught me how to prepare special traditional foods such as pesole, tamales, menudo, or mole while working together in the kitchen. My Spanish is most fluent while centering around these activities. I am not sure if it is because where I feel grounded and loved or because the food is so delicious that I am more motivated to learn. Whatever the reason, the Spanish language comes to life in my mind while preparing or sharing a meal.
I agree about being grateful for the wonderful meals and the manners! :D I think it's very important to have family dinners! I hope I can do that often for my family too.
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