La Cultura - Cap. 6B

La arpillera – is a popular textile folk art of rough patchwork appliqués created by women in Chile. La arpillera is done in brilliant colors and shows the story of daily life or traditions and values.

El patio El patio in an apartment building in a large Spanish city is usually just an open area in the center of the building. In Southern Spain, houses are often built around patios, which may have gardens as well as a fountain. The Moors, who came from Africa, brought this architectural style to Spain.

Every cultural has their version of Cinderella Every cultural has their version of Cinderella. La Cenicienta is the Spanish version. The story seems to date back to a Chinese tale called Yeh-Shen. La Cenicienta

In many communities, the outside wall of the house is located directly on the sidewalk and front windows may have rejas or bars.

Casas en países hispanohablantes Houses tend to be separated from the outside by a barrier such as a tall wall or fence. The owner has to open a gate to enter the property where there may be a carport or small outside area. Casas en países hispanohablantes

Inside the home will often be an open space called a patio Inside the home will often be an open space called a patio. Many rooms of the house open up to the patio and it is a place for the family to eat meals, talk, and spend time together.

It is also very common to see glass, wire, or metal on the top of the walls for protection.

Most homes have a large wooden or metal door Most homes have a large wooden or metal door. The plain exterior gives no hints about what be a beautiful interior.

Privacy is valued and the home and family activities are shielded from view from the outside.

Home is used to entertain very close family and friends Home is used to entertain very close family and friends. It is unusual to invite co-workers or casual friends into the home.

La casa In Spanish-speaking countries floors of a home are identified differently than in the U.S. Think of your house as if it were a hotel. The floor or level of a home that is street level is called the ground floor (la planta baja). The next floor up is the first floor (el primer piso). The floor below the ground level is called the basement (el sotano.