guatemala Essay -- essays research papers

GUATEMALAGuatemalas culture is a unique product of Native American ways and a strong Spanish colonial heritage. About half(prenominal) of Guatemalas population is mestizo (known in Guatemala as ladino), people of mingled European and indigenous ancestry. Ladino culture is dominant in urban aras, and is heavily influenced by European and North American trends. Unlike many an(prenominal) Latin American countries, Guatemala still has a large indigenous population, the Maya, which has bear a distinct identity. Deeply rooted in the rural highlands of Guatemala, many indigenous people speak a Mayan language, follow traditional spiritual and village customs, and continue a rich tradition in textiles and separate crafts. The two cultures nourish made Guatemala a complex society that is deep divided between rich and myopic. This division has produced much of the tension and power that carry marked Guatemalas history (Guatemalan Culture and History).Much of Guatemalan life revolve s around families. Guatemalans say that p arnts are espejos (mirrors) through them, you learn who you are and what you can become. Children are able to depend on their parents for advice and guidance end-to-end their lives. Family members tend to live near each other, and Guatemalans rarely live or spend much time alone. Families in any case care for elderly relatives, and godparents (padrinos) are considered an important part of the family. Guatemalan wo custody tend to marry 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 weave 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 popular among middle and foca l ratio sectors in two 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 make dolls out of dough. rough school grounds have soccer fields, and the game is popular with both sexes. Boys also enjoy baseball, while girls prefer basketball or volleyball. A favorite evening activity is clustering on street corners to comprehend to ghost stories, including the one about the fearsome man with the big sombrero. playday 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 retained a distinct identity, centered on lands and villages in the western highlands. umpteen speak a Mayan language rather than Spanish. Although mos t are poor by material standards, their lifestyle is ecologically and spiritually satisfying to them, and they have largely chosen to remain isolated from national life. The Guatemalan politics at times has tried to suppress indigenous culture, make Spanish the universal language, and promote European ways (Guatemalan Culture and History).