Mexico | Design Ideas

Mexican folk art may be used for gifts or as a decorative theme. Look for the vivid hand-painted pottery from Puebla, onyx sculptures, Tarahumara basketry, and the papel Amate paintings of the Otami Indians. Silver from the old mining town of Taxco makes an incredible gift. The early Conquistadors made this area famous throughout Europe in the sixteenth century. Visit the vibrant floating gardens of Xochimilco in Mexico City, which give evidence of the Aztec agricultural skills. The labyrinth of waterways are filled with large, brightly colored boats, or "punts" , called "trajineras" and the carnival-like scene includes waterborne mariachi bands Interested in incorporating ancient Mexican wedding traditions in your ceremony? Men have traditional worn a Mexican wedding shirt called the guayabera, one of the most authentic symbols of Latin Culture. They are made of light fabrics to weather tropical heat and distinctive for its two vertical pleats, four spacious pockets and embroidery detail in a variety of fashion colors, this tropical shirt is a cultural icon of masculine elegance. In the past it was customary for the groom to give his wife thirteen gold coins, symbolizing Christ and the apostles, which the priest would bless during the ceremony. Following the exchange of vows the priest would wrap a "lasso" (a large rosary, or, depending on family finances, a band of flowers, ribbons, or gold) in a figure eight around the couple to symbolize their eternal unity. During the reception, guests would encircle the couple in a large heart-shaped ring I order to bless their ceremony.

For more ideas visit www.indiansun.net/mex-wed.htm. and read about the extensive history behind these traditions at http://www.muybueno.net/articles/mexicanwedding.htm The varied topography of Mexico has a strong effect on the types of food available from region to region; what is a favorite on the coast may be unavailable inland. The rich diversity of dishes has also been influenced by foreign countries: French, Spanish and North American practices intermingle with Mexico's Pre-Columbian culinary heritage. Ingredients will include beans, corn, squash, tomatoes, jicama, chocolate, avocado, papaya, guava, vanilla, dozens of spices, and, of course, chile peppers.

The Mexican wedding cake is usually a fruitcake soaked in rum. For a traditional Mexican wedding cake recipe visit http://fooddownunder.com/cgi-bin/recipe.cgi?r=69248. Mexican wedding cookies are offered during the reception; find a recipe at http://www.ehow.com/how_10314_make-mexican-wedding.html During the reception children usually enjoy breaking a heart-shaped piniata.