The Virgin of Guadalupe

As a result of the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in Mexico in the 1500s widespread conquest, colonization, and religious conversion occurred. In fact, converting the Indians of the "New World" to Christianity was a main task of the conquistadors.

December 12 is celebrated in Mexico as a day to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe who is believed to have first appeared before Juan Diego, an Aztec convert, on December 9, 1531 and again on December 12 on Tepeyac Hill. Tepayac Hill was formerly the site of the temple of Tonantzin who is believed to be a manifestation of the Aztec Earth Mother, known as Coatlicue, the mother of all living things. The temple, like many Aztec structures in Mexico, was destroyed by the Spanish. The appearance of the Virgin of Gualdalupe on this very spot is significant because it it was believed that she spoke to Juan Diego. She asked Diego to tell the Bishop of Mexico City to build a temple on Teyepac Hill. Juan Diego spoke to the Spanish bishop, Juan de Zumárraga, who did not believe him and asked him for a miraculous sign. Diego told the Virgin of Guadalupe who then instructed him to gather flowers from a hill even though it was Winter and present them to the Bishop. Diego came back to the Bishop and when the flowers fell from his tilma (a kind of apron), an icon of the Virign was imprinted on the cloth.

Today, Mexicans honor the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12 with processions, prayers, song, and festivities.


More Information:
Mexican traditions: Virgin of Guadalupe
The Virgin of Guadalupe