China poblana

Many are the symbols that turn out to be an original part of the identity of the Mexican people . These generally have a very long and interesting history and have managed to endure over the years. Without a doubt, Puebla China is one of these important symbols and, although its origins are not exactly clear, they continue to be a very important part of the culture of Mexico.

What is the china poblana?

Characteristics of the china poblana

The main characteristics that can be observed in the China Poblana are the following:

• It is considered one of the most important characters in the history of the Mexican people .
• Puebla China had an important and recognized participation within the political , social and cultural field of the Mexican country where its character became popular mainly at the end of the 17th century and at the beginning of the 20th century.
• She was seen as a very beautiful woman and also intelligent and virtuous .
• It was characterized by maintaining its original traditions so her Hindu costume always kept it with her.
• As for the dress that bears the same name, it is considered an element that expresses the values of the Mexican people.
• It is considered as the typical costume par excellence of the city of Puebla .

Legend of the china poblana

The legend of the China Poblana tells that Diego Carrillo de Mendoza y Pimentel , who was the Marquis of Gelves and Viceroy of New Spain , requested that a young woman be brought to him to be at his service. Meanwhile, according to the story, a girl had been kidnapped by a group of Portuguese pirates who took her to Cochin , a town located in southern India . From this place she managed to escape and found refuge in a Jesuit mission where she was baptized with another name, Catarina de San Juan .

She was kidnapped again by a group of pirates and was handed over to a man who took her to New Spain . When she arrived at this place, she was not sent to the Marquis de Gelves but was sold as a slave to Miguel de Sosa. She continued to wear her native dress and this is where the history of the Chinese Puebla comes from. After the death of Miguel de Sosa, she was released because this order had been included in her will . Shortly after he entered a convent where the story also tells he had several visions with the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus. He died on January 5, 1688 when he was 82 years old.

Dress

The China Poblana is considered a typical Mexican costume that represents both the culture and the values ​​of the country and has its origins in New Spain , in the colonial era when Mirra arrived at the place and the indigenous women of the area adopted the design of its costume adding a bit of aboriginal traditions. According to experts, its colors , its symbols and the accessories that accompany it show the world a completely diverse country. The suit is composed of an embroidered skirt full of sequins and beads with geometric motifs which together, manage to form the image of aEagle , which symbolizes one of the Mexican national symbols, it should be noted that this petticoat is known by the name of beaver . This blouse is low-cut which allows part of the chest and neck to be shown, which in its time turned out to be a bit scandalous.

It also has one porabajo white with a full lower edge engaging in a zigzag. They functioned as a type of light trap to show the body of the woman wearing the dress. It also has a beaver band or bra which may or may not have various types of embroidery. Sometimes, the suit used to include a type of scarf made of silk that covered the neckline.

The blouse is embroidered on a white background and shows a series of designs alluding to the indigenous culture . It is a very colorful costume and these colors represent the diversity of nature. A sash at the waist is the one that is responsible for representing the union and cohesion of the country. The dress has several colors, green , white and red which were included after the Independence of Mexico and these represent the flag .

Shoes

The slippers usually used by women who wear this important costume are made of silk . They are red or green .

Hairstyle

There are several types of hairstyles that Mexican women and girls use when they wear the China Poblana costume, mainly during the country’s national holidays. It is common to see traditional braids from the side as well as a long braid that goes all the way around the head. Many people also include the use of some flowers and leaves between the braids and also often place several colored ribbons sandwiched between the braids.

Hat

The hat that usually accompanies this beautiful costume can be white , cream or light brown . In its upper part it has a hand embroidery with flowers, leaves and letters. It is a very wide-brimmed hat with its brim also full of beautiful handwork. Some of them may maintain this pattern throughout their wing . The upper part of the hat or cup is quite high and maintains its firmness very well.

Representations of china poblana

This costume represents the culture of the Mexican people , a typical traditional and handmade costume in which all its sequins and beads are glued by hand. It is a representation of joy through its colors , a feeling that characterizes Mexican settlers. At the same time, it is the representation of a rather sad story which unfolds through a young woman named Mirra.

The women who use this costume generally represent the joy and kind heart of Mexicans as well as the freedoms of the inhabitants, which, at the time when this costume began to be used, were not common. It is a manifestation of various political nuances and obtained great relevance mainly during the Mexican Revolution, at which time the campaign was intensified to increase and highlight the values of the homeland and to promote greater unity among Mexicans.

According to the story, this costume managed to become one of the most important representations of Mexicanity at the time when the famous dancer Ana Pavlova represented the dance known as Tapatío using the costume.