Shifts In Cultural Tradition And Values In A Globalized World: Dynamics of Acceptance And Contestation

Abstract

In many parts of Latin America, and throughout the world, the Christmas season is becoming more and more commercialized. Take Country Y, where the Navidad (Christmas) season begins on 12 December with Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Sixteen December marks the beginning of the Posadas; 24^th and 25^th December, commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Day of the Holy Innocent – 28 December – memorializes the lives of the firstborn sons lost when King Herod ordered them killed, hoping to destroy baby Jesus. The Epiphany is celebrated in the first days of the new year, and the 6^th of January marks the arrival of Three Wise Men to Bethlehem. The whole season is rich in symbolism and tradition which celebrate events surrounding the birth of Jesus. The age-old celebration of the Navidad season extends from 12 December through the 6^th of January, a period of long held by the traditional Catholic Church as one of the most sacred seasons of the year.

                It seems today that children in the Country Y are more excited about “Christmas,” which appears to means Santa Claus and the arrival of presents – toys which they’ve seen on some sort of media and have convinced parents and relatives to buy for them. Although many families try to keep their children within the traditions of the Navidad season, somehow the allure of the Jolly Fellow in the bright red suit, complete with reindeer and brand name toys, manages to captivate their attention during these times of the years. Santa Claus’ arrival to the region has come, not by reindeer flying through the air; instead he arrived some time ago across international airwaves and through cyberspace into millions of homes throughout the Latin America.