If you are visiting or living in Mexico, you have most likely noticed how important the concept of family is to the people in this beautiful country. Families in Mexico are known for being close-knit, and can include many generations, even within the same household. Although this might seem a bit unusual to those who are visiting from other countries, it's just the natural way of life in Mexico.

Traditional Family Structure
The typical Mexican family adheres to traditional roles and responsibilities, in which gender plays a big part. In a Mexican household, the woman is considered to be responsible for the home, while the man is responsible for supporting and protecting the family. The concept of a man having "Machismo," which shows itself in their personal level of self-confidence and pride, as well as pride for their families, is still strong today in Mexican households. Children generally have a great deal of reverence for their mother, as well as a high level of respect for the leadership of their father. Although this structure has been loosened a bit by modern-day living, it is still a guiding principle among Mexican families.

The Importance of Religion
Religion is also very important to families in Mexico. Religious ceremonies, festivals and events occur frequently throughout the year, which provides ample opportunities for families to get together for celebrations and worship. Although Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion in Mexico, the country doesn't actually have an official religion. Since Catholicism was brought to Mexico during the period of Spanish domination, many people converted to Catholicism without giving up all of their previous religious practices and beliefs. As a result, you will find an interesting blend of religious traditions in Mexico, such as the co-existence of a priest and a traditional jmen healer in some communities. The religious symbols, icons and even the attire worn by the priests often incorporate touches of the country's original beliefs and religions. The end result is a fascinating blend of Catholicism and indigenous religious practices, which produces a unique combination of old and new traditions and beliefs.

Mexican Celebrations
Because of the close family ties and the blending of religious practices, you'll find a wide array of fascinating celebrations observed in Mexico. There are also celebrations that mark important milestones in Mexican history, such as Cinco de Mayo. The Guelaguetza Festival is a combination of the traditional honoring of the corn goddess and the Catholic feast of the Virgin of Carmen. Las Posadas is a Christian celebration commemorating Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem from Nazareth. Another celebration that combines both Catholic and traditional Aztec beliefs is Los Dias de los Muertos, often referred to simply as the "Day of the Dead." A combination of All Soul's Day and All Saints' Day, it is a day that celebrates family ancestors, life and death. Although the costumes and decorations generally focus on skeletons and other icons of death, it is actually a day where everyone engages in feasting, music, and a celebration of the natural cycle of life and death.

Jessica Ackerman of WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, is an interior designer who illustrates how simple it can be to use landscape art decor and southwestern wall decor.