PocketCultures

Argentinean customs: roadside shrines

Argentina is a predominantly Catholic country, so much so that it’s enshrined in the Constitution. Some people like to show their devotion by making small shrines on the side of the roads or at intersections.

Roadside shrine to the Virgin Mary

Many years ago, a lady who used to live on the same block as my parents decided –for reasons only known to herself- to put up a shrine to the Virgin Mary at one end of the street. This lady raised a subscription among the neighbours and had a brick and mortar shrine erected, holding a small statue of Mary.

Every now and then, I see someone praying or crossing themselves when walking by. And there are almost always fresh flowers. I’ve never talked to anyone about this but I think people feel protected by Our Lady.

On the other hand, there are many shrines dedicated to other folk saints like Difunta Correa or Gauchito Gil, who, however, are not officially recognized as such by the Catholic Church. Some people believe they can work miracles so they go to them for help. I guess that when people are going through a hard time, they take all the comfort the can get.

Gauchito Gil shrine (Wikipedia Commons)

Photo: Wikipedia Commons

May 1st, Labor Day and May Day in France

May 1st (May Day) is known worldwide as Labor Day, but in France it is also May Day - Fête du Muguet (Lily of the Valley) when the French greet each other with a sprig (or a small bouquet) of lily of the valley, a flower that is considered a lucky charm.

The tradition dates back to the beginning of the century when unemployed people (the unemployment benefits did not exist and people had to finding ways of making ends meet) went into the woods that were still found in the big cities ‘suburbs to pick lilies of the valley.

Lily of the valley, Double-flowered Convallaria majalis

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deebee May 1, 2012 5 comments

Japan / Sport / Topics of the World

Picture Postcards: Kendo in Japan

Most universities have a kendo club in Japan. These students were practising on a winter’s afternoon.

marie April 29, 2012 3 comments

Argentina / Food / Topics of the World

Tortas fritas

Tortas fritas are a traditional Argentinean treat and are usually served with mate. It doesn’t get any more Argentinean than that.

Tortas fritas from Argentina

The next time you feel under the weather or you need some comfort food on a gray, chilly day, grab this recipe and bring in some sunshine in the form of crispy, golden disks.

Ingredients

1 kilo flour

4 tablespoons lard

1 teaspoon salt

½ cup cold water

Shortening

Sift the flour and place on a working surface, making a well in the centre. Add the lard, water and salt. Knead well until smooth. Roll the dough into a ball, cover with a tea towel and let sit for half an hour. Divide the dough into small, egg-sized balls, flatten with your hands, prick with a fork and make a hole in the centre. Deep fry in piping hot shortening until golden. Remove from the pan, place on paper kitchen towels to remove excess fat and sprinkle liberally with sugar. Serve warm.

Borges explained: The House of Asterion

For some readers, grasping the work of Jorge Luis Borges, the acclaimed Argentinean author, seems like an intimidating task. The language seems impenetrable, and the references, obscure at best. After a few attempts, the reader throws up his arms in frustration and relegates the book to the darkest corner of the bookcase, where it will gather dust for years.

Roman mosaic picturing Theseus and the Minotaur. Rhaetia, Switzerland.

We are going to try to cajole some sense out of Borges’ work. This is by no means a scholarly text but the attempt of a lay reader at unravelling the work of one of Argentina’s greatest writers. (more…)

Ana April 25, 2012 0 comments

France / Topics of the World