write a report about a ritual or rite of passage associated with Mexican/Chicano culture (mexican marriage)
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Traditional Mexican Marriage: A Celebration of Love and Unity
Introduction
In Mexican culture, marriage is not just a legal union between two individuals, but a sacred and joyous celebration of love, family, and cultural traditions. Rooted in centuries-old customs and influenced by both indigenous and Spanish traditions, the Mexican marriage ceremony is a significant rite of passage that symbolizes the coming together of two families. This report aims to explore the various elements and rituals associated with a traditional Mexican marriage, highlighting their cultural significance and the profound impact they have on the couple and their loved ones.
Historical and Cultural Context
To understand the richness of the Mexican marriage ritual, it is essential to delve into its historical and cultural roots. Mexico’s history is a blend of indigenous cultures, primarily Aztec and Maya, as well as Spanish colonial influence. The Spanish conquest brought Catholicism, which greatly influenced Mexican wedding traditions. Consequently, elements of pre-Hispanic rituals merged with Catholic customs, giving rise to a unique and vibrant wedding ceremony.
The Engagement: Formalizing the Union
In Mexican culture, the journey towards marriage begins with the engagement. This period allows the couple to showcase their commitment to one another while also seeking blessings and consent from their families. During this time, the groom traditionally presents the bride with thirteen gold coins known as “arras,” symbolizing his dedication to support her financially.
The Wedding Ceremony: A Tapestry of Rituals
The Mexican wedding ceremony is a beautiful tapestry of rituals that reflect the couple’s commitment, cultural heritage, and religious beliefs. The ceremony typically takes place in a Catholic church, emphasizing the strong influence of Catholicism in Mexican society.
The Procession and La Entrada
The wedding procession, known as “La Entrada,” marks the beginning of the ceremony. The bride walks down the aisle accompanied by her father, symbolizing his approval and trust in the groom. This moment represents the transition from her father’s care to her husband’s protection.
The Nuptial Mass
The nuptial mass is an integral part of the Mexican marriage ceremony. It is a solemn religious service where the couple exchanges vows and receives blessings from the priest. The couple often presents offerings such as flowers or a rosary to the Virgin Mary, seeking her intercession for a prosperous marriage.
Lazo and Arras
Two essential elements of a traditional Mexican marriage are the “lazo” and “arras.” The lazo is a large looped rosary or decorative cord that is placed around the couple’s shoulders in a figure-eight shape, symbolizing their unity as they begin their journey as husband and wife. The arras, or thirteen gold coins exchanged during the engagement, are blessed during the ceremony and then presented by the groom to the bride as a symbol of his commitment to provide for their future family.
El Velorio: The Wedding Reception
Following the nuptial mass, a lively and celebratory reception known as “El Velorio” takes place. El Velorio is a grand feast where family, friends, and loved ones come together to honor and celebrate the newlyweds. It is characterized by music, dance, traditional Mexican cuisine, and elaborate decorations that reflect the vibrant culture of Mexico.
Conclusion
The traditional Mexican marriage is an enchanting blend of indigenous and Spanish customs that have evolved over centuries. From the engagement to the wedding ceremony and reception, each ritual holds deep cultural significance and serves to unite two families in love and harmony. By embracing their cultural heritage and incorporating these timeless traditions into their weddings, Mexican couples ensure that their union is not only legally binding but also spiritually enriching. Through these rituals, love blossoms, families unite, and cultural identity is celebrated, making the Mexican marriage a truly remarkable rite of passage.
