A Ceremony Reflecting Change in Society

The article “A Graduation Ceremony in Indigenous Mexico – reflecting Change in Society” is published in German.

Much has been written about ceremonies in indigenous Mexico with a religious background. Graduation ceremonies seem to be of less (scientific) interest. In this article I analyse in how far and in which way a graduation ceremony in San Juan Chamula in Southern Mexico reflects certain changes in this highland community. Changes occur amongst others in the meaning of school education, the role of the nuclear family, the relationship of men and women, the function and choice of the godparents, as well as the clothing. Especially new festive traditions should be analysed as they might give hints to recent and developing changes in society.

Huse, Birgitta: Schulabschlussfest im indigenen Mexiko – Ein Spiegel gesellschaftlichen Wandels. In: Raesfeld, Lydia u.A. (Hg.): Götter, Gaben und Geselligkeit. Einblicke in Rituale und Zeremonien weltweit. Münster, New York. 2009. S. 49-63.

Title translation:

Huse, Birgitta (2009) “A Graduation Ceremony in Indigenous Mexico – reflecting Change in Society” in Raesfeld, Lydia et al (eds) (2009) Gods, Gifts and Sharing. Insights into Rituals and Ceremonies around the World (Münster: Waxmann), pp. 49-63