I am busy (I will explain next week why), so I will share with you a presentation I am preparing for university! I am comparing two countries far from home.
Geography
This journey explores two “middle countries”:
- China, whose name Zhongguo (中国) literally translates to “Middle Kingdom”
- Mexico, derived from the Aztec word Mexihca, meaning “in the navel of the moon” (the center of the world)
Both China and Mexico are megadiverse countries on Earth, because of the variety of climates and species they contain.
- China has a vast landmass, from the Himalayas to the Yangtze River, hosts a stunning variety of species. Iconic animals are the Giant Panda and the South China Tiger, but there are also over 1,200 bird species and thousands of endemic plants.
- Mexico is acting as a bridge between North and South America. It has over 25,000 flora species, endemic reptiles, and amphibians. From the Cozumel Thrasher to the Axolotl.
Food
Each country has its staple food (France made bread with wheat), China has rice. Some people who use “你吃了吗?” (Nǐ chīle ma?) means “Have you eaten?” as a greeting!
In Mexico, corn (maize) is part of creation itself. Ancient myths say the gods fashioned humans from cornmeal.
More food
One of my first realization, was how similar Zongzi look to Tamales. Specifically from Oaxaca!
- China’s Zongzi: Pyramid-shaped glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed. Filled with savory pork in the south and sweet red bean paste in the north.
- Mexico’s Tamales: Nixtamalized corn dough stuffed with meats, cheeses, or chilies and wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed.
Spicy food
Experimenting “spicy” does not mean the same thing around the world.
- The spice in Mexican chilies comes from capsaicin. A molecule that binds pain receptors in the mouth, creating a sharp, burning sensation.
- The flavor of Sichuan cuisine comes from hydroxy-alpha-sanshool in peppercorns. It tingles and numbs the lips and tongue.
Pots
Cooking with clay is deeply rooted in both cultures.
- China uses sand pots (shaguō). These porous clay pots are perfect for slow-cooking soups and stews, to enhance flavor and retain heat.
- Mexico has cazuela (clay pot) has been used since pre-Hispanic times for simmering beans, moles, and meats.
Death
Special holiday reserved to honoring death and ancestors.
- China’s Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) is a springtime occasion for families to clean the graves of their ancestors, make offerings of food and money, and reflect with respect and solemnity.
- Mexico’s Día de los Muertos is a vibrant, joyful celebration to welcome back the souls of the departed. Families build elaborate altars adorned with marigolds, photos, candles, and the favorite foods of the deceased.
Food (during events)
I talked about it in an earlier post, the common points of Mooncakes and Pan de Muerto.
- China’s Mooncakes, eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival, are round pastries symbolizing family reunion and the full moon. They contain rich fillings like sweet lotus seed paste or salted egg yolk.
- Mexico’s Pan de Muerto is a sweet bread decorated with bone-shaped pieces and a teardrop, representing the cycle of life and death. It is a central offering on Día de Muertos.
Masks
They have a central place in particular cultural activities.
- In Chinese Peking Opera, elaborate face painting (lianpu) and masks symbolize a character’s personality (red for loyalty, white for treachery).
- In Mexican Lucha Libre, the mask is sacred. It conceals the luchador’s identity, creating a legendary persona. In Sense8, it is explained that losing the mask is a profound dishonor; the mask is the luchador’s spirit.
Decoration
Last, but not least, both countries love their traditional decorations! Colorful garlands of paper cuttings are used for celebrations in Mexico and red paper cutting is a traditional form of art in China, which is often used during festivals.
Also, and maybe it is a bit of a stretch, but I see a relation between piñatas and lanterns. One has sweets inside, the other has light, they can be hanged or carried, they are central elements of celebrations. Most importantly, they are beautiful and have tassles!
Bye! See you next week xoxo