China Poblana

However, as China Poblana is called today a Mexican woman in the typical costume of Mexico, strictly speaking, China Poblana was only the nickname of the Mexican nun Catarina de San Juan. As China is known in Mexico women in traditional clothing, Poblana identifies the origin of Puebla. The China Poblana is therefore in literal translation just the traditional woman from Puebla.

Legend of China Poblana

Mirra, a young woman from Indonesia, was kidnapped on a sea voyage to New Spain by pirates. However, they managed to escape and found refuge in a Jesuit convent, where she was baptized with the name of Catarina de San Juan. However, she was kidnapped again and taken to Acapulco. There she was sold as a slave to the Poblano Miguel de Sosa. During this time, the young woman from Asia dressed with the traditional sari for her and had thus probably the influence of the style of China Poblana. After the death of their Lord Miguel de Sosa, she joined again a convent, where she had visions of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. Catarina de San Juan died on 5 January 1688 at the age of 82 years.

Characteristics

The clothing of China Poblana has now developed into a stereotype of Mexican costume for women, although there are significant regional differences in the traditional women's clothing. The clothing is not just to Catarina de San Juan back, but also contributes Spanish elements from several centuries. The main elements are:

• A white blouse that can have floral embroidery with shining colors.
• The overskirt, the so-called Castor.
• A white petticoat which has a patterned hem.
• A band that attaches the skirt around the waist.
• The shawl, which was often of a fine fabric against the cold, but also often made ​​of stronger material to carry loads on their backs.

Culture

Today, the figure of China Poblana one of the few figures of Mexico, who (like the Adelita ) or clearly negative properties (such as the Catrina ) are not occupied with clearly positive qualities. On the one hand China Poblana was a provocation because she wanted to wear a corset and was way too dressed provocatively for the time on the other side was the style back to a woman who has long been revered as a saint. The clothing of China Poblana has now enforced a stereotype of Mexican costume for women, although there are significant regional differences in the traditional women's clothing.