What is the captivating story of Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe?
Ever wonder why, every December in Mexico, millions of people march, pray, and rejoice with such fervor over a single image? What captivating legend surrounds Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe?
Historical Aspect:
According to the legend, in the Cerro de Tepeyac, La Virgen de Guadalupe appeared to an indigenous Christian convert by the name of Juan Diego in 1531. She requested that Juan Diego inform Bishop Juan de Zumarrage of her desire to build a shrine in her honor. Juan Diego was skeptical that the church authorities would accept the offer, so he asked La Virgen to provide him with evidence that would persuade the bishop to accept it. The Virgin’s image was imprinted on the cloak when she opened the tilma, dispersing Castilian roses across the flooring.
The picture depicted the Virgin as having a dark complexion, standing in front of the sun, with the moon at her feet, and encircled by a mandorla of stars, blending Christian iconography with indigenous motifs. The apparition of the Virgin Mary birthed a nation and marked a historic event for Mexico’s indigenous people.
Traditions and Customs:
Processions and parades involving dancers, singers, and musicians dressed in elaborate costumes that frequently depict Mexico’s indigenous origins take place the night before the 12th. Around 7 p.m., mass and other religious festivities are held in churches to mark the start of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Feast. In addition, Guadalupanos pray, sing hymns, and organize vigils all night leading up to December 12th. The most important is at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, where millions of people congregate. On the 12th, around 5:00 a.m Mariachi bands and singers perform “Las Mananitas,” which is a traditional Mexican birthday song sung to the Virgin of Guadalupe.
La Guadalupana
Desde el cielo una hermosa mañana, Desde el cielo una hermosa mañana, La guadalupana, la guadalupana, la guadalupana bajó al Tepeyac . Suplicante juntaba sus manos y eran mexicanos su traje y su faz. Su llegada llenó de alegría de luz y armonía todo el Anáhuac. Junto al monte pasaba Juan Diego y acercóse luego al oír cantar. A Juan Diego la Virgen le dijo, este cerro elijo para hacer mi altar. Y en la tilma entre rosas pintada su imagen amada se dignó dejar. Desde entonces para el Mexicano Ser guadalupano es algo esencial, En sus penas se postra de hinojos y eleva sus ojos hacia el Tepeyac.
