By Natalie Taylor

 

February is the month of love and friendship, culminating on the fourteenth of the month—a day dedicated to lovers everywhere. The tradition began in Europe in the 1300s, and falls on Saint Valentine’s day, the patron saint of love. He lived in Rome during the third century and legend claims he sent a loving note to a young girl, starting the tradition of sending love greetings to friends and lovers. But we know that love is universal; it transcends geographic boundaries and existed in Pre-Hispanic America, albeit manifested in different ways.

 

In keeping with the theme of love, Mujeres en Cambio will feature a fascinating virtual talk on Feb 18, by archeologist Albert Coffee about love, marriage, and marital alliances in ancient Mexico. Albert Coffee is a long-time resident of San Miguel de Allende who specializes in Mesoamerican studies. He participated in the excavation of the pyramid site Cañada de la Virgen. He has also documented the legends, wisdom, and memories of the elders from the ranch communities around the site. Join him on Zoom to hear history and legends about how the Aztecs and other Pre-Hispanic people treated marriage and the ceremonies associated with them. Learn about the importance of rituals that are still part of Mexican culture and traditions. A special focus will be the role that food and drink played in these rituals, particularly chocolate and cacao. Both of these plants were incorporated into ceremonies and were imbued with religious meaning that reverberate to this day. Particularly poignant examples can be found in the context of marriage traditions of the Maya. Chocolate was used by the Maya to seal marriage negotiations and ceremonies. At their weddings, bride and groom would exchange five cacao beans along with their vows during the marriage contract. To enhance the experience, we suggest you fix yourself a chocolate drink—the beverage of love—hot or cold, plain or alcohol based, as you join us for this presentation. 

 

A donation of 300 pesos or US$15 to Mujeres en Cambio gets you a “front row” ticket to this wonderful virtual talk, that will include a question-and-answer session. We will also provide you with some fantastic chocolate and cocoa based drink recipes when you sign up. We look forward to having you join us for what is sure to be an enlightening presentation. A perfect gift for your Valentine friend or lover! To sign up or get additional information email: cyann@kc.rr.com