Cultures and Lifestyles of Latin America Ch. 9 Sec. 3

Religion Christianity: most dominant Brought to Latin America through Europeans in colonial era Traditional Native and African religions mixed w/ Christianity Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism : W. Indies, coastal S. America Brought by Asian immigrants Judaism: followers in largest Latin American cities

Religion Most Christians are Roman Catholic Was the official religion in Spanish colonies & Brazil during colonial times, converted natives Clergy were part of politics Movements for land reform, education & healthcare improvements Opposed dictatorships Pope Benedict XVI

Religion Protestantism came with British and Dutch settlers in 1800s Protestantism = NOT Catholicism (think “Protest”….because it originally did) Did not grow until late 1900s Ppl liked it b/c laypeople had a major role, emphasized personal religious experience Laypeople = people who were members of church but not of the clergy

Religion Mixing of religions has occurred since colonial era. Syncretism- blending of beliefs and practices from diff. religions into 1 faith Santería in Cuba and Voodoo in Haiti and D.R. Belief in West African deities + Roman Catholic devotion to the saints Descended from African slaves

The Arts Blending of European and Native Am culture Lots of weaving, pottery, metalwork, murals, mosaics Murals: wall paintings Mosaics: pictures/designs made by setting small bits of colored stone, tile, shell into mortar Guatemala: Mayan symbols + Incan weaving Paintings had Christian themes (inspired by European works)

Mayan glyphs Incan textiles

The Arts Present-day artists focus on social and political subjects Diego Rivera (muralist) painted events in Mexico’s history Music mixes European, African, and Native styles (salsa, samba, mariachi) Architects, dancers & writers = recognition

Everyday Life 4 important values: social status, family life, personal honor, & individual freedom

Families Strong sense of loyalty to family Often live with extended family Includes grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins in addition to parents & children Godparents also play important role in family life (sponsor new baby) Machismo- Spanish & Portuguese tradition of male supremacy Women are advancing though (yeaaaa!!) Make important financial and family decisions, more attend university, elected as national legislators, country leaders Panama (1999): woman president (Miyera Elisa Moscoso)

Education Quality of education varies Many do not complete elementary school Reasons: Long distances to go to school, lack of $, family obligations (jobs, family farms) Gains have been made though in literacy and university enrollment Some provide education at little to no cost to student Role of internet literacy in Chile & Mexico

Healthcare As education rises, awareness rises Improve sanitation & nutrition Malnutrition: condition marked by lack of proper food But still varies country to country (Chile is high, Haiti is low)

Sports & Leisure Biggest sport is fútbol (soccer) National sport in many places Baseball, volleyball popular in W. Indies Jai alai in Cuba & Mexico

Sports & Leisure Celebrations are most popular activity Carnival is best-known festival A week before Lent begins Lent = 40-day period of fasting & prayer before Easter (Roman Catholic) Rio de Janeiro throws largest Carnival Other popular activities: TV, radio, movies, concerts & plays