Hispanics and Chicanos

Hispanic Superstitions

2011-12-02T13:14:00.000-08:00

The Hispanic culture do many things that are native to just their culture. Many people have superstitions, both Hispanics and non-Hispanics, but there are quite a few superstitions that the Hispanic culture holds true more so than most people. Following, I will share with you a list of some of these superstitions.

Facial distortion if you open the fridge with a hot head.
If you put your purse on the floor, you will lose money.
If you sweet a woman's feet, she'll never get married.
An upside-down broom behind your door will get rid of unwanted visitors.
If you give someone knives as a present, your relationship will die.
If you're a women and you're menstruating, you can't eat bananas because you will hemorrhage, you can't perm or wash your hair because you'll go crazy, and you can't hold a newborn because they'll get colic.
If you sleep with a dog or cat you'll become infertile.
If you cut a child's hair before they're one, they won't learn to speak.
If you dream about your teeth falling out while eating, it means someone is going to die.
Don't give your man shows while in a relationship because those are the shoes he'll walk out on you with.
If your hand is itchy, put it in your pocket instead of scratching it because it means you have money coming your way.
A full glass of water on top of your fridge or behind the door will help absorb bad spirits and energy in your house.
If you hit your parent, that hand will dry up.
To get rid of hiccups, use a small ball of red threat with saliva and place it on the person's forehead.
If you place a pair of open scissors under your bed when in pain, it will cut the pain.

Those are just a selection of the many superstitions that are out there. I am, personally, not Hispanic but have many friends who are. I even believe in some of these superstitions, and maybe you do too. Even if you don't, some of them might not be such a bad idea, just in case...

Hispanic Religious Jewelry

2011-12-01T13:55:00.000-08:00

Hispanic religious jewelry is more than just simple crosses with diamonds and other embellishments. Their jewelry is very emotional. They have a lot of jewelry with depictions of Jesus and Mary. Following is an example of some of the kinds of jewelry that they design.

You can search for this type of jewelry and more online. They make a lot of rosaries, whether in the form of a bracelet or a ring, or a necklace, they make it all. So if you're looking for some amazing Hispanic religious jewelry, just know that they make unique and beautiful earrings and necklaces and more, which represent more than just their Christianity or Catholicism, but represent what is important within those religions.

National Hispanic Merit Scholarship

2011-11-30T13:59:00.000-08:00

This is a fabulous award that is granted to special, qualifying candidates to help pay for college tuition. Some of the eligibility requirements include:

Must be Hispanic or Latino
Minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent)
Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
Be pursuing or plan to pursue your first undergraduate or graduate degree
Must apply for federal financial aid using the FAFSA
Be enrolled or plan to enroll full-time as an undergrad or graduate student at a U.S. accredited institution in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or Guam.

The amount awarded can be anywhere between $1,000-$15,000, but the average is about $2,500 for students attending a four year institution and $1,250 for students attending a two year institution. This money can go towards tuition, fees, books, and other academic-related supplies, including room and board and transportation expenses related to school, and can even be applied to a program to study abroad, as long as you remain enrolled in your home university, the program occurs during the normal academic year, and you will be receiving U.S. college credits towards your degree.

You can apply online for this scholarship here by going to the scholarships link and click apply online. Once you click that, you will be directed to the students application site. If you're new, you'll have to register and create an account. They do not accept paper applications, so if you want to apply for a scholarship, you must do so online. There is no fee to apply for the scholarship, so what's stopping you? Go online now and try to get one.

Chicano Love Poems

2011-11-29T14:00:00.000-08:00

Chicano poetry is a type of American literature that is primarily written about Mexican Americans and their way of life in society. The term "Chicano" is a term that identifies people of Mexican descent who are born in the United States. Chicano love poems can express love, admiration, and appreciation. They make references to Mexican-Americans and many times talk about their culture, stereotypes, and how they want to be defined.

Following I will show you an example of a Chicano love poem:

{Start}
Bashert
I am the catch
in your throat;
the wordless cry,
unexplainable.

I am the cloud
that follows you;
raining
at the slightest provocation.

I am the scar
that has
become a flower.

I am the pilgrim
you brought home;
the Jew you hid
from the fire.

I am your dark sleep.

I am your dream
of finding someone whose arms
will hold you
when daylight comes.
{End}

That is a poem written by Lisa Alvarado. She is one of several famous poets that write Chicano love poems. There are some more out there that are equally, if not more, great. Check out and see what else you can find out there.