WOMAN AND HER SPHERE
The life and position of woman in Mexico varies much by reason of the
heterogeneous character of the population. Because of the absence of a
clearly defined middle class it is a fairly safe proposition to say that
there are but two classes in Mexico, Creoles and Indians. Creoles include
all those who are Europeans or in whom the European blood predominates.
Domestic life among the Creole class savours of the East. The ideas with
respect to women are Moorish rather than American. Although not obliged
to appear on the street with face enshrouded in a shawl or veil, yet the
young woman who has respect for her good name would not go abroad without
the _duenna_, or some female companion. Another reminder of Oriental
exclusiveness is seen in the life of the ladies of the wealthier classes
who always drive in closed carriages even in this land of balmy air and
splendid sunshine and, when shopping, do not deign to leave the carriage.
On account of the restrictions against the appearance of women in
public, the custom grew up in Spain and Mexico of allowing them to use
the windows and balconies for observation. In the cool of the evening
the windows on the streets are opened and women, especially the young
ladies, appear there to watch the carriages and passers-by and nod to
their friends. The home life and social restrictions toward women are
inherited from Spanish ancestors who were at one time the aristocracy and
ruling class of Mexico. Nowhere is the sentiment of home stronger than
among the Creoles. There may be no such word as home in his vocabulary
but the _casa_, or house, of the Mexican is his castle and he protects
it in every way from prying eyes. One writer has expressed his view as
follows:—“The intense feeling of individuality which so strongly marks
the Spanish character and which in the political world is so fatal an
element of strife and obstruction, favours this peculiar domesticity.
The Castillian is submissive to his king and his priest; haughty and
inflexible with his equals. But his own house is a refuge from the
contests of out of doors.”
In the home the father is absolute lord and master and all bow to him.
There never comes a time when the children are not subject more or less
to parental authority. Yet, in general, the sway is so mild that it is
readily yielded to and is scarcely felt. Grown-up sons and daughters
do not forget the respect and obedience that was expected of them when
they were children. The reverence for parents increases with the passing
of the years. A man never grows too old to kiss the hand of his aged
mother. The old lady dressed in sombre black and who looks like a poor
relation may be the one whose wishes rule. Harmony does not exist in
every family and the exceptions are striking ones. Where quarrels and
family dissensions do occur, the pride and jealousy of the race renders
them the bitterest and fiercest in the world. These vindictive feuds in
families frequently led to duels and stabbing affrays to defend personal
honour and dignity in former days. A man and wife will often live for
years beneath the same roof without speaking. They cannot be divorced but
neither will speak the first word and each rather admires the grit of the
other.
The home life is jealously shielded from curious eyes. In no place in the
world is the social circle more closely guarded than among the higher
classes in the City of Mexico. The thick walls, the barred, prison-like
windows and the massive, well-guarded doors prevent intrusion and perhaps
serve to foster this inclination to lead exclusive lives. Cultured
Americans, unless in the official set, who have lived there for years
have found it impossible to break into these exclusive circles. Whether
this action is due to jealousy, diffidence, a feeling of superiority,
or aversion to aliens the fact remains that they are very loth to
admit Americans into the privacy of their homes. The foreigner has few
opportunities of judging intelligently of the women for they are immured
so closely within the four walls of their dwellings. Social life in the
semi-public, gregarious ways of American cities is unknown and would not
suit these privacy-loving, domestic women.
In “The Awakening of a Nation” the author, Mr. C. F. Lummis, gives a
very good description of the Creole woman: “Always and everywhere the
Spanish-American female face is interesting; at least as often as in
other bloods it is beautiful. Photographs tell but half the story, for
complexion is beyond them. But a certain clearness of feature, the
almost invariable beauty of the eyes and fine strength of the brows seem
as much a Spanish birthright as the high-bred hand and foot. Not even
the Parisian face is so flexible in expression, so fit for archness,
so graphic to the mood. Yet there is a certain presence in it not to
be unnoticed, not to be forgotten. To no woman on earth is religion
a more vital, ever-present, all-pervading actuality; and that is why
you meet the face of the Madonna almost literally at every corner in
Spanish-America. And it is not a superficial thing. There is none to whom
the wife-heart, the mother-heart is truer-womanly.”
The Mexican men are passionate admirers of the fair sex. Perhaps it is
because of the bewitchery of their black, sparkling eyes. Certainly it
is not on account of the white paste which is plastered over their faces
or the rouge on their lips. Nor have they added to their attractiveness
by the substitution of the Parisian hat for the graceful lace mantilla
which lent itself so well to the gentle art of coquetry. There are many
handsome women among the Creoles but they are not all beautiful as some
writers would lead the reader to infer. They are bright, vivacious and
naturally clever. They have a quick understanding which only needs to
be cultivated and perhaps this intelligence is quicker and more active
than that of the men. They can weave and embroider with taste and skill.
They know a little music and a little French but, in the American sense,
they are not well educated. The real intellectual element is wanting and
the understanding is uncultivated. The higher education for women has not
received the stamp of approval in this land of “to-morrow” and the sex
has not yet become an important factor in the business or professional
world. “If only learned wives,” says one, “are responsible for that poor,
down-trodden, pitiable specimen of man called the henpecked husband, then
a timid man would be safe in choosing a Mexican wife.” The patriarchal
element of society in which man is recognized as lord and master is still
in force among these people. The question of woman’s rights has never yet
agitated the bosoms of these gentle women.
Domestic freedom in the sense understood by Americans is absent. The
daughters are closely watched by their mothers who seldom permit them
out of their sight unless accompanied by some older woman or faithful
servant. Such a thing as permitting a daughter to have a young man call
on her or accompany her to the theatre would never enter the mind of the
Mexican mother. In her estimation the men do not deserve any confidence
until they are married. The man, of course, thinks that these precautions
are unnecessarily cruel. Nevertheless mammas think they are essential,
pater familias approves and so the custom remains. Perhaps it is these
restrictions that are responsible for the reputation the _señoritas_,
or young women, have of being flirts or coquettes. They are overflowing
with life and spirits and their black eyes look so full of mischief that
sometimes they seem to be just spoiling for a flirtation. They are very
animated in conversation and in talking keep time with hands, knees,
shoulders, elbows and face. Their talk is full of the most extravagant
and seemingly profane expressions.
“Oh, Jesus!” says one girl, “what a fetching hat.”
“Mary Most Pure,” replies her companion, “it must have cost five pesos.”
They can stare an American out of countenance and look him straight
in the eye but it is only a look of curiosity. The social pleasures
resulting from the intermingling of the sexes that are so common with
us are not enjoyed by them. At a dance the men retire to one side of
the room after a number and the women take seats on the opposite side.
Marriages among the wealthier classes are generally made by the parents
without consultation with the principals in an affair supposed to be of
the hearts. After the formal engagement the intended husband is allowed
to call on his fiancée in the presence of the entire family and may take
her out to the theatre when accompanied by the mother and all the female
members of the household. Marriage is a formidable undertaking for the
groom must furnish the entire bridal outfit, in addition to the house
and its furnishings. Two ceremonies become necessary, too, if the couple
wish to be married by the rites of the church. The civil ceremony is
absolutely essential and cannot be dispensed with for under the law this
is the only legal marriage. And yet with all these inconveniences to
courtship and matrimony, bachelors are less numerous than they are where
every facility is granted for love making.
Love and religion are practically the only two subjects with which
a _señorita_ is expected to concern herself. She is, probably, not
intentionally or by nature a flirt and she might scorn to inveigle in
her meshes the heart of an admirer, but she cannot refrain from using
her irresistible eyes or entirely avoid the coquettish use of the
indispensable fan with its wordless telegraphy. The Mexican lover pays
extravagant homage to his sweetheart and a woman nowhere else is paid
such delicate and elaborate compliments. The Spanish method of courtship
in which the lady is pictured as sitting at a barred window or leaning
from a balcony to listen to the honeyed phrases of her lover or the music
of his guitar has reached its highest state of perfection in Mexico.
In the current language of that country a man who is courting a woman is
“playing the bear.” It is so named from the restless walking to and fro
of the love-stricken youth in front of the window of his inamorata, in a
manner not unlike a captive bear in a cage. The same method pursued in
the United States would either result in a man being sent to the lunatic
asylum as suffering from a “brain storm” or to the workhouse.
[Illustration: “PLAYING THE BEAR”]
A young man who sees a young lady on the street whom he admires, begins
by following her home although it may be days or weeks before he will
venture to speak to her. Having reached her _casa_ he will begin the
_hacer el oso_, or “playing the bear,” by walking back and forth in
front of the house or standing on the street with his eyes fixed upon
her windows or balconies for hours at a time, days and nights alike. The
young lady, if interested at all, will remain back of the curtain and the
slightest movement of the curtains or blinds is a sign that she is not
entirely indifferent. After a day or two she may show her face or wave
her hand as a further mark of encouragement, and after several days she
may appear on the balcony for a few moments. If she goes to church the
lover is probably not far behind and an occasional smile or glance from
her eyes of midnight is given him as a reward for his faithfulness. Next
come daily salutes and smiles when the lover appears. Flowers are sent
by the aid of the water-carriers or charcoal-vendors in which notes are
concealed. A system of wireless-telegraphy communication is established
by means of a fan on one side and a cigarette on the other. This medium
of communication has been developed until it has become an elaborate
code. Letters become more and more endearing. When the courtship has so
far advanced that the lovers will talk, the moonlight nights are all
devoted to the love-making and several pairs of lovers can be seen on
almost any street by the late home-comer—he on the sidewalk, she at the
window. This courtship frequently extends over a period of years and the
lover who makes himself so ridiculous sometimes loses the girl then.
Jacob’s seven-year probation has many counterparts among the Romeos of
Mexico.
A young woman of my acquaintance and her sister recently visited a family
in one of the large cities in Mexico. Like all young women they soon
became interested in the subject of Mexican courtship and began to sigh
for a “bear.” Every time they returned from a trip down town a watch
was kept from the window to see if a “bear” followed. At last one of
these creatures appeared and began to pace in front of the house with
his eyes bent upon the window opening out on the balcony. Contrary to
all precedents and to the surprise of the neighbourhood, these women
could not resist the temptation to go out on the balcony on this first
occasion. This was such marked encouragement that the man came day after
day to see _las Señoritas Americanas_ and was still coming when their
visit ended.
American women who have married Mexican husbands have found the
ideas of the two races so radically opposed that the unions have not
been harmonious. Their verdict is that a Mexican man makes an ideal
lover because of his delicate attentions and consideration, but an
unsatisfactory husband since he does not make his wife a companion and
confidante such as an American woman considers her right and privilege.
The individuality of the woman is not so completely merged in that of
her husband at marriage as in the United States. The woman retains her
own name but adds that of her husband. Miss Mary Smith who marries Mr.
John Jones becomes Mrs. Mary Smith de Jones, and she is not called so
exclusively by her husband’s name. However, when the Mexican woman is
married she accommodates herself to the station in life provided by her
husband. The wife usually accepts whatever condition fate has provided
for her and bears it with patience and fortitude. They endure the petty
ills of life with great cheerfulness. They do not go into society much
as custom keeps them from attending mixed assemblages frequently. Their
world is generally confined to their home, husband and children. An
American woman would sigh for liberty if compelled to live this life.
The Mexican woman in America shrinks from the freedom prevalent here and
desires the seclusion of her native land. Families are usually large
so that home duties require a great deal of attention. The respect and
courtesy paid by children to their parents is truly delightful to witness
and shows a real goodness of heart in them.
The mother cannot bear to see her family separated. She wants them all to
stay close together so that each one can stop in and see her every day.
The mothers are loving and tender and idolize their boys. It is regarded
as a terrible thing, scarcely to be borne, for their sons to go out into
the world as American youths do. To go to a distant city is like being
transported to Australia. Even when they remain near home the mothers are
very solicitous for fear they will work too hard. On each saint’s day,
which is religiously observed, presents are given and an old-fashioned
dinner, to which all the cousins, aunts and uncles are invited, is
served. In starting on a journey to a not-distant city, the youth must
visit all his relatives in the neighbourhood and bid adieu.
It is interesting to notice these traits in an age of growing
indifference; but not a little of the lack of progress in Mexico can
be attributed to this unwillingness to sever home ties. Many of these
young men could do better for themselves away from home but a mother’s
pleadings and a mother’s tears keep them at home. Even after marriage
they frequently continue to live under the same roof.
The religious element enters very largely into the life of women. Their
very names are a constant reminder of their worship. Many of them are
christened Mary with one of the attributes of the Virgin or some incident
in the life of the Virgin added such as Conception, Annunciation, Sorrows
or Assumption. Or there are the attributes such as Mary of the Sorrows,
of the Gifts, Miracles, Tears, etc. Religion is sustained by the women
and you will seldom see men at the services unless it is some poor
Indian. They are very pious in their way and attend to their religious
duties with the same interest that they perform their toilet. The
concrete symbols and observances of the church have a great influence
over them. At mass these pious worshippers always dress in sombre black.
They are very particular in training their children in the principles
of the Church. Formerly great faith was placed in the healing power of
certain shrines and relics but this is now dying out under the advance
of modern physicians and their healing remedies. They are still great
believers in signs, omens and other supernatural manifestations.
Above all these women are kind hearted and charitable. Though carefully
guarding their homes, yet if a stranger is admitted into the family he is
received with a generous welcome. Should he return after long absence,
he is greeted almost as one of the family and without reservation. He
is not only permitted but encouraged to call all the members by their
given names and to use the pronoun _tu_ or “thou” in his intercourse with
them. This is an especial privilege among Spanish people who are very
particular about familiarity in address. They will oftentimes deprive
themselves for a friend. They have their faults too. Although smoking is
not countenanced in public it is said that many of them smoke in their
boudoirs and in the company of friends of their own sex. A great deal has
been said of their lack of morality but this is a subject upon which only
those very familiar with the facts should dare to speak, for it cannot
be treated lightly, or solely with the intention of casting a slur on
another race.
[Illustration: WASHING ON THE BANKS OF A STREAM]
The lives of the Indian women of Mexico present a far different picture.
Instead of living in great palaces, their homes are in little adobe
cabins of one room, perhaps without the luxury of a window, or in bamboo
huts covered with plantain leaves without chairs or table and only a mat
of husks for a bed. There is no seclusion in their lives and the real
duties of life begin at a very early age. I cannot call them serious
duties for it is doubtful if these people regard any of the obligations
of life as very serious. Their early experiences are with its hard
realities. They can be seen on the streets and around their homes with
baby brothers or sisters swung across their backs when they themselves
are so small that the burden seems far too heavy for them. On the banks
of the streams they can be seen doing the family washing with a great
amount of rubbing and pounding and wringing. To the fountains and wells
they come carrying earthen jars on their heads, which they fill with
water and replace with a grace and charm that excites admiration.
Some of the Indian maids are handsome. Yet you can tell just what their
future lives will be by observing those of the parents. They will live
in the same squalor, the same poverty as their ancestors have dwelt
for centuries. They will go through life bareheaded and barefooted and
empty-minded just as the generations which preceded have done. At
twenty they have begun to fade and at thirty they retain scarcely a
trace of their beauty. This is due to hard labour and deprivations. At
fourteen few are unmarried or at least unmated. The marriage ceremony is
frequently omitted because of the high charges of the priesthood, yet
both parties are usually faithful. The number of children among this
class is truly marvellous. More than one half of the younger women when
seen on the street have infant children with them.
No people could be more poorly housed or more poorly equipped for
domestic duties than these small brown women; and none use the little
they have to better advantage or are more loyal to the man they call lord
and master. They frequently live and sleep on the bare ground and possess
no more clothing than they have on their bodies. They will pound away at
the _metate_, or stone kneading-board, all day making the _tortillas_
which are both bread and meat to the peon class. These comely Indian
women will bend their lithe, active bodies for hours washing clothes on
large round stones which serve as wash-boards.
Their clothes are simple and the latest fashion has no attraction. The
_rebosa_ is a universal garment and answers for a shawl, a carry-all
for babies and bundles, and a covering for the owner at night. These
black-eyed women with their half-concealed faces, sober, unemotional
manners, high-coloured garments and curious Egyptian-shaped pottery
might well be from the shores of the Red Sea. Their love of warm, bright
colours is even seen in their love for flowers since the many-hued,
brilliant-coloured blossoms are everywhere. Mignonettes and roses,
flowering geraniums and scarlet poppies, gigantic oleanders and dainty
pansies share attention with the brilliant-hued tropical birds in gayest
colours which usually hang beside the open door in a home-made cage of
dried rushes. They are faithful workers in fancy work and will follow
the most intricate design and reproduce it with fidelity and ease. Their
art needle work on handkerchiefs and other linen articles is extremely
fine and their drawn work is praised everywhere. It is not the work of
the dainty fingers of educated women but of very humble and ignorant peon
women in floorless cabins of adobe and of hands accustomed to drudgery.
The women of Tehuantepec are remarkable for their beauty of face and
form. They are easily the finest looking Indian women in America and
in beauty of figure will compare with any race in the world. They are
dark-skinned, almost a soft olive-brown, with sparkling dark eyes, masses
of wavy hair, exquisite features and beautiful teeth, which are kept
clean and white. Their carriage will attract attention, for they walk
erect and with a peculiar stride probably due to the prevailing habit
of carrying baskets and water jars always on the head, where they are
carefully balanced. They are small in stature, with fine limbs, and seem
born models for an artist.
The “Tehuanas” wear a quaint head-dress called “huepil,” which is made of
coarse white lace. It is arranged in three different ways according to
the occasion. At a dance it is wound round the neck and stands out like
a huge Elizabethan ruff. In church it is put on the head something like
a Boulogne fish-wife’s cap. For ordinary wear it is simply laid back on
the hair and the folds hang down the back resembling somewhat the feather
head-dress of a North American Indian chief. It is indeed curious but is
quite befitting. They always dress becomingly, with the quaint little
short jackets which expose a section of brown back above the skirt band
and are cut low about the neck in a fashion that women the world over
have found graceful, and with extremely short sleeves. On extraordinary
occasions this short jacket, or waist, is of richer material embroidered
in handsome designs of brilliant colours. Some of the designs show
oriental characteristics. The skirt of the dress is of soft material,
linen or cotton, to the knees and below the knees is of a heavy lace or
embroidery starched very stiff. The material used is not the usual cheap
and gaudy fabrics sold to the Mexican Indian, but is of good quality and
specially made by a certain Manchester house for these people.
These belles of Tehuantepec have a great liking for American gold coins
which are worn on necklaces. British sovereigns or French napoleons are
usually not desired, but a big premium will be paid for the eagle, half
eagle, or double eagles of Uncle Sam. Every centavo that a woman can save
goes into her fund for purchasing gold pieces. The gorgeous necklace with
the gold coins attached makes a showy and rather beautiful ornament. The
fortune and standing of a “Tehuana” is indicated by the number of gold
coins on her necklace. One Tehuantepec heiress has—it is said—a necklace
which is valued at three thousand dollars. The most striking feature in
the dress of these women is that not one will wear shoes. Dressed in all
her finery, head-dress, starched skirt, polka-dot waist, necklace and
smile, she will appear barefooted—a strange anomaly. Without shoes they
will dance over a stone floor, or even a dirt, gravel-bestrewn surface,
with a grace that violates all rules of art. These dusky princesses will
be found as graceful as gazelles on all occasions.
A visit to Tehuantepec will long be remembered for it is an experience
not easily forgotten. The quaint costumes, the striking dress, and the
proud people combine to make a memory worth carrying away.