Mexican Folklore

By: Carolina Torres & Roselena

Cervantes
Contents
Slide 3 Interesting Facts about Mexico

Slide 4 Oral Tradition

Slide 5 Folklore

Slide 6 Mexican Folklore Examples

Slide 7 Folk Literature

Slide 8 Folk Literature Examples

Slide 9 Geographic Location of Mexico

Slide 10 Mexican Proverbs

Slide 11 Global Role of Folklore

Interesting Facts About Mexico
Mexico is a country located beneath the United States
Mexico has a population of 127.5 million people
Its official name is the United Mexican States
There are 31 states in Mexico including its capital (Mexico City)
The official language of Mexico is Spanish
Oral Tradition
Oral Tradition is a community's cultural and historical background
that is passed on from one generation to the next in spoken stories
and songs instead of being written down. It plays an important role
because older relatives may convey information to young family
members about roles within the family, concepts of masculinity and
femininity, and values and expectations, all through sharing stories
and proverbs that have a moral or central message of their culture
on a daily basis, including Mexican folklore.

One example of Mexican Oral Tradition includes:

Maria de La Flor: This book has a beautiful story about a family

from Oaxaca, Mexico, that describes their deep-rooted
tradition of how they celebrate their family members who are
no longer here, but who they will always cherish. The Day of
the Dead is a popular tradition and celebration from the
Oaxaca region.
Folklore
Folklore are the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories
of a specific community.

Folklore plays an important role in the history of Mexico

because it has led Mexico to be the country it is now. All
the stories that were told included life lessons about
the significant things that exist in human life. Their
stories have also informed many people about their
history and their beliefs.
Mexican Folklore Examples
Quinceaeras: This is a young girls birthday that is
celebrated differently from any other as it marks the
transition from childhood to young womanhood.

Mexican Songs: These songs or corridos are

popular narrative and poetic songs that consist of a
variety of stories.

Day of the Dead: This custom focuses on gatherings

of family and friends to pray for and remember
friends and family members who have died, and help
support their spiritual journey.
Folk Literature
Folk literature includes all the myths, legends, epics, fables, and folktales passed
down by word through the generations. The authors of folk literature are usually
unknown.

Examples:

The Legend of Xunaan and The Young Warrior

The Culture of the Sun
Folk Literature Examples
The Legend of Xunaan and The Young Warrior: This legend is about
a brave man that lives near the wells in Bolonchen. He eventually
falls in love with a young woman that lives there as well. However,
one day he finds out that she disappeared. She is nowhere to be
found until he hears her singing from the bottom of a well. After
that, he returned to the well daily to hear the love of his life sing.

Culture of the Sun: When the first men became conscious of the light
that was emitted from the sun, and the relationship that exists
between light and day; darkness and night; the sun and the moon; they
assigned them each values. The sun received the positive values: life
and flourishing nature; the moons values were a little more negative:
the world of the dead, a decline.
Geographic Location of Mexico
Mexico is located underneath the United States. Approximately it is
located at about 23 N and 102 W in the southern portion of North
America. From its farthest land points, Mexico is a little over 3,200 km
(2,000 mi) in length.
 Mexican Proverbs
Al mal tiempo buena cara : This proverb translates
to Bad times, good face. It means that no matter
how bad times are, you have to put a smile on
your face and stay positive. You must look at the
bright side of everything that happens.
A caballo regalado, no se le ven los dientes: This
proverb literally translates to You shouldn't
check the teeth of a gifted horse. Metaphorically,
this proverb is saying to be grateful for what you
receive, don't bother looking for any defects at all.
You should accept and appreciate what you have.
Global Role of Folklore
Folklore is what gives every single person in the world an identity.
Folklore is a persons beliefs, culture, and customs. Folklore plays an
enormous role in the world because it shapes people and their mindset,
which leads to peoples actions. Every action that someone takes, affects
everything and everyone.
In Conclusion...
Works Cited
Burns, Allan. Project Muse. Mexican Myths and Stories. Web. 11
September 2017.
Inside Mexico. Myths and Legends. Web. 15 July 2017. Myth #1. 12
September 2017.
Lopez, Michelle. Mexican, Folklore, and Festivities. Puerto Vallarta.
Web. 13 September 2017.